Derby U16s Trained
Derby U15s – Inaugral Derwent Festival
tbc
Derby U14s vs Buxton
The U14s travelled to Burton on a warm and sunny morning.
Burton started really strongly and were a try-up scoring from receipt of the ball from the initial kickoff. Derby tried hard to contain Burton but were up against some very strong rucking and probably the best scrummaging team we have yet to face this season. Following a few tries from Burton, the boys kept pushing hard and although struggling to maintain territory, they did gain some possession to slow down any further points being scored by Burton up to halftime. Burton scoring the majority of their first-half tries via long individual runs from their own half, with little-phased build-up play. There was some heroic tackles going in from the Derby boys against some big strong lads, which was great to see.
The second half was a different game, with the boys pushing the ball wide and being more committed in both the rucks and scrums. The substitutes added some fresh legs and tackling firepower. Derby never gave up and right to the end pushed Burton hard, and deservedly scored a try with Adam Thornton going over in the final play of the game. Only narrowly losing the second half 2 tries to 1. Really proud of the boys today, who didn’t let the score line phase them and showed the determination we love to see. Although lots of great individual performances the most pleasing was the overall team performance in supporting each other, especially in the second half. Final score 41-5.
Thank you to Burton for their hospitality and well done to the boys who played the game in good spirits.
Derby U13s vs Melbourne
On this surprisingly warm Sunday, the u13s took on Melbourne at home in what should have been round one of the NLD. Unfortunately, due to reduced numbers Melbourne we’re forced to forfeit, and the sides agreed on a friendly, with a rotation of loaned players to Melbourne.
Playing on the AGP made a nice change for all the lads and the game got off to a flying start.
It could be said that the start was a little scrappy in terms of gameplay as they found their feet, but by the first try of the match, the players had settled into a fast-paced game.
With a spectacular return to play after his injury break, George Shaw scored the opening try of the match for Derby, followed shortly by another from Arthur Gratton.
Derby continued to dominate in the second quarter, with another try from Shaw, and Archie Mills scoring a fourth for Derby at the halfway point.
There was thrilling gameplay from both sides as the match galloped on in the third quarter, tries coming thick and fast from Harry Morris, Pedro Barbosa and Arthur Foulkes.
There were a couple of hard knocks during the third quarter, which opened the game up for Melbourne who scored their first try at this point. Morris took another try in the closing moments of the phase and the whistle blew as the ball came to ground.
During the final quarter, Melbourne scored a fantastic try and upped their game in terms of defence, but Morris went on to score another three tries, ripping through a strong defensive line from Melbourne.
In the closing moments of the game, Shaw scored a finishing try, bringing the match to a spectacular end.
The final score sat at 60-10, both sides coming away with additional skills from having mixed the teams up throughout the match.
Special mentions this week go to Archie Mills and Harry Morris for their determined play and to George Shaw for his fabulous return to play.
And, once again to “volunteer” lines man- Alisdair Craig!