It was a strange game for Derby, flowing from a low ebb to high hopes but the stronger side won in the end. The game produced a feast of tries, eight for Syston and four for Derby.
A very early penalty from Josh Bingham gave supporters hope but, when Syston’s No.8, Steward, went over from a maul two minutes later, it exposed Derby’s vulnerability. Tries from prop, Dawson, and hooker, Succon, quickly followed, one of which was converted. Thirty minutes in, a missed tackle allowed winger, Read, in at the corner bringing their total to twenty two points. It looked bad for Derby especially as Tom Antrobus had to leave with a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Rhondell Stabana. It must have triggered a “wake up” call and from a quickly taken penalty Josh Tizzard cut through for an unconverted try. Two minutes later, Mc Grath Van Wyk, was held up over the line but just before the interval Sam Tebbs charged and weaved his way through for a try converted by Bingham to narrow the gap to seven points.
Interval score Derby 15 Syston 22
David Callow replaced Mick Johns during the break, and he made himself noticed by his direct bursts. Within two minutes, a great Derby break brought play up to the Visitor’s line where a penalty try was awarded and Syston’s hooker was Yellow Carded. With the score levelled, Derby upped the tempo but resolute defence denied them a score. Syston quickly showed their clinical style when centre Beevil sailed through for a try and Williams added his second. Both were converted by replacement centre, Nunnie. Once again, Derby fought back after Paul Burke was replaced by Ethan Pearson. From a scrum Sam Tebbs made a strong break and Will Town finished with a try converted by Josh Bingham. This was quickly followed by a Callum Jones solo effort and when Bingham levelled the score with the conversion, spirits were lifted. Josh Bingham then made a fantastic break which saw him touch down under the posts but, because the Referee was left far behind, he could not allow the try. Then the Syston pack drove Derby back thirty five metres in a driving maul before Nunnie scored and later Beevil added his second try. Nunnie converted both of them.
While Syston were the stronger side, the scoreline flattered them a little. It was a great effort by Derby, but they gave themselves a mountain to climb by being put under the cosh in the first half hour.
Next Saturday, Derby face league leaders, Dudley Kingswinford. It only gets more difficult.
Report by: Gerry Sherry
Images From Mark Dunn: Syston 11 Feb 23
More Images from: Shaun Hardwick
