This was the first game after the Christmas break. The grass was wet and the underfoot conditions were a bit heavy. From the start it was the Ilkeston Colts who mounted a wave of attacks, but resolute defending denied them a score. In the set piece scrums Derby were establishing domination and stole some lineouts. The extra possession was exploited by fullback, Joe Bennett, who sprinted 50-metres clear. He was stopped just short of the line by a high tackle from behind. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try to Derby. As Derby gradually got on top, a penalty converted by Fred Sutton, gave them a ten-points lead at the break.
Both sides brought on substitutes during the interval, and it was Ilkeston who looked stronger. Two extremely near scoring chances were only stopped by Bennett, whose flying crash tackles bundled the Ilkeston ball carriers into touch on both occasions. Working their way back down field, the Derby pack put the Ilkeston defence under pressure on their own line. From the driving maul, hooker, Kimberly Naison, emerged with the ball having forced his way over. This was a fitting reward for a player who gave his all. Sutton did well to add the difficult conversion to end a very competitive game.
The one outstanding feature of the game was the indomitable spirit of the young Derby players, who were simply but strongly determined to stop Ilkeston crossing the try line. Smiles all round.
Report by: Gerry Sherry