Derby travelled to Finstall Park, knowing a tough game was in prospect, against 2nd place Bromsgrove.
After the horrific injury to captain Charlie Barker in the abandoned game last week, Sam Tebbs stepped up to lead the side. Rhondell Stabana came in for his first start of the season, while Jack Partington moved to scrum half.
Derby kicked off, on a glorious late autumn day and were immediately under enormous pressure. Bromsgrove scored a try after 3 minutes and crossed again 2 minutes later. The Bromsgrove side looked a good outfit and were running through Derby at will at this stage.
Derby were unable to retain any pressure and further Bromsgrove tries followed.
With 17 minutes on the clock, Bromsgrove had scored 5 tries and converted them all to lead 35 – 0.
Derby managed to get a foothold in the game, after 24 minutes, when a spell of possession ended with Tom Pickering crossing for his 1st try for the side.
It proved to be a brief respite as Bromsgrove scored 3 more tries before the interval.
Half time saw Bromsgrove leading 50 – 5 and Derby looking down the barrel of a huge defeat.
Derby started the 2nd half much better and scored after 9 minutes. A spell of forward pressure ended with Jack Bates forcing his way over the line to score. McGrath Van Wyk added the conversion.
Derby looked to have scored again, but Sam Tebbs was judged to have lost control of the ball in the act of scoring.
The majority of the game was being played in the Bromsgrove half at this stage, but Bromsgrove showed how dangerous they were with 2 further converted tries.
Derby had the last word, with 2 minutes remaining. Tom Pickering burst clear, to score his 2nd try. Jack Partington drop-kicked the conversion, to give Derby maximum time to look for the bonus point try.
Unfortunately, it was not to be.
Derby recovered well and showed tremendous spirit, to draw the 2nd half and can take this comfort out of a heavy defeat.
Next week is a rest week, before Burton come to Haslams on November 9th.
Come on Derby!
Report by: R. Bambra