Marking his 200th appearance, Sam Tebbs, as team captain, ran out alone to the applause of a good crowd and the opposition. It was a mark of respect for a loyal and dedicated player. It was also debuts for Lui Natui at centre and young Kiberly Nalson at hooker.
It was another great start for Derby as the forwards took the game to Long Eaton for the first ten minutes but without reward. It was then that left winger, Abraham, accelerated past two attempted tackles to score a try converted by Finney. This settled the home side, but Lewis Hancock lifted Derby spirits with a 40-metre penalty. However, three minutes later, quick passing saw fullback, Mason, cross in the corner. Marking his occasion, Sam Tebbs took a pass in the centre position. His determination was obvious as he broke through a very solid defence to gallop to the line for a try near the posts. Lewis Hancock converted, and Derby were trailing by only two points. In a defence against a driving maul, Joe Acton was given a Yellow Card. Jake Roome came on and Rhondell Stabana went off. Exploiting the man advantage, the wily scrum half, Mick Connell, slipped over for a try and added a second just before half time. Finney converted both to give the home side a comfortable lead of twenty-six point to ten at the break.
After the interval, Derby made a good start, but Long Eaton increased their dominant advantage in the scrums. Sam Tebbs and Joe Acton did well to cope with the pressure. Following great forward driving mauls, Derby’s young hooker, Kimberley Nalson, forced his way over from a maul. Lewis Hancock added the conversion to raise Derby hopes. Under pressure, Long Eaton broke out of their 22-metre area and hooker, Parry, was given a clear but long run for the line. Once again Finney added the extra points to put the game beyond reach of Derby. With Derby under pressure Long Eaton opted for a scrum and Finney touched down for the final score.
Overall, Long Eaton were a more cohesive team that played with confidence. From his position at scrum half, Mick Connell dictated play. His short and long passes were accurate, and he varied play with quick tap penalties and cross kicks. He has obviously played at a higher level. Scrums played a crucial element of the game with six going to Derby under pressure and nine to Long Eaton. Their guaranteed ball gifted them more possession and options in attack.
It is a rematch on Friday night a Haslams Lane Kick Off 7.30 p.m. With the addition of Jack Bates and the possibility of a return from injury of Ben Wilcox and jerry Oldfield, Derby will be hoping for a significant improvement.
Do come along and show your support.
Gerry Sherry Email: – [email protected]