Derby 19 vBowdon 60
On a bright Saturday afternoon, a much-changed Derby side reflected the ever growing list of injuries. It took the total to over 50 players, who have played for the first team this season. The crowd was swelled by those attending the pre-match Reunion lunch.
The visitors looked a more physical and fitter side and showed it after three minutes when No.8, Will Nelson broke through a tackle and sprinted fifty yards to just reach the line for the first of his four tries. In response, Cameron Finlay set off on a long sprint but was stopped short of the line. Before the interval Bowdon ran in five more tries and converted two of them to reach a 34 points advantage.
Adam Todd replaced McGrath Van Wyk at the break, moving to the wing and Cam Finlay switched to fullback. Bowdon scored quickly from a lineout drive converted by fullback, Tom Jennings, to put the game beyond the reach of Derby.
However, Derby produced a much improved performance, spurred by bursts from the No.8 position, Jerri Oldfield took the game to Bowdon. Ryan Cokayne and David Cowell offered good support and got the ball to centre, Archie Murdoch. He managed to dodge many tackles to keep Derby on the front foot. The improved motivation became obvious and winger, Adam Todd, epitomized it with his tackling and confident counter attacking. He is one for the future. Derby were denied several close calls for a try before Bowdon scored from another forward drive to add an unconverted try. Undaunted, Cameron Finlay produced one of his sprints which brought him a penalty. He took it quickly and darted over the line. Lewis Hancock narrowly missed the conversion. Bowdon struck back with a converted try. Showing great spirit, Derby replied with their own forward drive and Luke Pulford scored. Lewis Hancock converted. Inspired, Derby put Bowdon under great pressure but a lost ball was seized by winger, Ollie Barlow, who sprinted the length of the pitch to score and Jennings added the extra points. Once again Derby hit back with Angus Wallis diving over the line from a driving maul near the posts for Lewis Hancock to tap over the conversion.
Against the odds, this Derby side produced a great spirited performance against a more professional Bowdon side and deserved great credit for it.
It is a long journey next week away to Anselmians, before rounding off the season with the final league fixture against Long Eaton on Saturday 11th April,that should be an interesting end of a challenging season.
Gerry Sherry
