Callum Jones and Lewis Hancock returned to the starting XV for the visit of Bradstreet. Ethan Pearson made his first appearance of the season, as did Rhodell Stabana, from the bench. Derby also handed debuts to Alex Scullion and Tom Hinchcliffe, both of whom came on in the second half.
Derby kicked off, on a warm afternoon and had an early penalty opportunity which they could not take. Bradstreet also missed a penalty before Derby took the lead, after 23 minutes.
Derby were on top in the scrum and used this advantage to create the try. The ball was sent wide and Lewis Hancock touched down in the corner. In doing so he brought up his 500th point for the side. Well done Lewis!
The remainder of the half saw Broadstreet press the Derby line, but excellent tackling and covering kept them out.
Broadstreet finally got on the scoreboard, one minute before the break, when they kicked a penalty.
Derby immediately went on the attack and were awarded a penalty under the Broadstreet posts. They opted for the scrum. The ball was won and Sam Tebbs burst off the back of the pack. The ball was recycled and Charlie Barker forced his way over the line.
McGrath Van Wyk added the conversion and Derby were 12 – 3 ahead at the break.
12 minutes into the second half, Jake Barker charged down a Broadstreet clearing kick. He gathered the ball and set off towards the try line. He was stopped just short, but was able to find Lewis Hancock who scored his 2nd try of the game and 4th of the season.
Only 12 minutes remained when Derby clinched the 4 try bonus point. Will Town picked up the ball and sliced through the Broadstreet defence to score a superb individual try. McGrath Van Wyk added the conversion to make the score 24 – 3.
There were 71 minutes on the clock when Broadstreet hit back with a try, but it was Derby who had the last word.
The forwards were in complete control by now and they drove over the try line to score. Jack Bates came up with the ball to claim the try. McGrath Van Wyk kicked the conversion to finish the game.
A fine win for Derby against a spirited Broadstreet side.
This sets Derby up nicely for the short trip to Burton next week.
Come on Derby!
Report by: R. Bambra
Photos by: S Hardwick