Derby welcomed several players back for the trip to Glasshouse Lane. Jerri Oldfield, Sam Pittman, Jim Hather and Sam Tebbs joined to the pack, while Josh Tizard and Patrick Burke returned to the starting XV in the backs.
As the teams ran out, on a cold, dry day, the task facing Derby became immediately apparent. The Kenilworth side were significantly bigger, in fact their centres would not have looked out of place in Derby’s 2nd row !
Derby kicked off and were 7 points down 2 minutes later, with Kenilworth scoring a converted try.
After 23 minutes, Kenilworth were attacking again and Derby stopped the attack illegally; Patrick Burke receiving a yellow card. Kenilworth opted for a scrum and created the space to score a try.
Half an hour into the game, Derby had a spell of pressure. They kept the ball through a number of phases, but were unable to cross the line. They then lost the ball and in a flash, Kenilworth swept upfield to score a converted try.
Half time saw Kenilworth leading 19 – 0. You could not fault Derby’s effort, but they were not getting much change out of a powerful Kenilworth side.
The 2nd half started with Derby attacking and this resulted in a penalty. Derby opted for the kick at goal and Josh Bingham duly obliged.
Kenilworth put the result beyond doubt with two further converted tries, to lead 33 – 3, with 10 minutes remaining.
Derby then struck. After a spell of pressure, the ball was worked to Will Town on the wing. He beat the last 2 defenders to score his 3rd try of the season.
Kenilworth had the last word, with another try 1 minute before the final whistle.
A tough day for Derby who now turn their attention to the final league game of the season. This is next Saturday, at Haslams, against Lichfield.
Come on Derby !
Report by: R. Bambra