Derby 28 – Southwell 0 Derby 34 - Lincoln 0 Grimsby 0 – Derby 36 Newark 0 - Derby 14 Semi-final: Derby 26 – Nottingham 12 Final: Derby 36 – Paviors 5 What with the last few weeks having their fair share of disappointment, the last game of the season took on a much brighter affair with Tigers looking to defend their win in last years sevens event. With the weather hot and a hard ground underfoot this event would be something of a hard task for Tigers coming at the end of a long hard season for everybody. With four matches in each of the pool groups Tigers kicked off with a win against Southwell with tries coming from Ben E, Sam, Bobby, Casey and Frix. Soon after Tigers were matched up against Grimsby which resulted in another convincing win with tries coming from Bobby, Frix, Tom Hicks for a couple (one following a charge down close to the line) and Ben E also running in two tries. A strong Newark side were up next providing something of a challenge for Tigers in what would eventually turn out to be the closest match of the pool groups. Tigers ended up winners though with a couple of tries by Ben E and Frix with Sam converting both. Lincoln were the last game in the pool stage which saw another convincing win with tries from Harry, eventually running over for two scores and Casey, Sam and Ben E scoring one apiece. Tigers finished top of the group amassing some useful bonus points and ended up scoring 111 points in tries and conversions and conceding none which is some going considering each of the matches only lasted 10 minutes. The semi-final saw (it had to be didn’t it!) a rematch with Nottingham and a chance to avenge for the NLD defeat from two weeks ago. With Nottingham’s paciest guys plugged in it was obvious that some grit, determination and dogged hard work would be needed to win. Straight away Tigers put Notts under some pressure leading with an early try from Tom Hicks running in from some distance out. A second try from Harry, also running in from close to the half way line, gave Tigers the edge. Nottingham fought back as you would expect them to but Tigers led 12 – 7 going into half time. In the second half a couple of sneaks at their line out led to two tries, first from Bobby and then by Lewis to build a comfortable lead. Eventually, Tigers won the game comfortably 26 – 12 which pleased the Derby contingent. A final match on a first team pitch, which was in good condition and expansive in space, would suit Tigers against a Paviors side who convincingly won their qualifying group. Straight from the kick-off a deep ball caught by Hicksy and popped up to Harry saw Tigers go over for the first score. Two further tries from Tigers , the first which came from Ben E after a lovely ball out from Sam, was followed by a score from Jake Roome, at pace through the middle, taking Tigers into a comfortable 19 – 5 lead at half-time. In the second half Tigers seemed even more relaxed than they had done in the preceding matches scoring three further tries from Hicksy, Sam Martin and a great solo effort by Casey who got caught up and isolated on the wing, but somehow managed to get over for the final score of the game. Following on from the disappointment of both the NLD finals and coming as close as you could get at Newbury, this was a chance for the lads to pick themselves up and go forward which they did with a substantial amount of pride and conviction. In the heat of the day they deserved the plaudits for sticking to it and doing what needed to be done. Even with a win at Ilkeston, the season would have been a real cracker with much to commend the overall team performance, tremendous achievements for both the forwards and backs as units, and some really outstanding individual achievements and developments. Next year will see a different set of challenges for everyone concerned but on the basis of this season as a whole, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to it – Do we need to have summer this year - can’t we just go straight into first week of September now!!!

Bobby CARR; Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMUNDSON; Tom HICKS; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Casey WATSON & Kyle YEOMANS.

Match Report & Photos by Doug Carr

A couple of really good results and performances over the last few weeks led Tigers into a long awaited (and what seemed like never arriving!) NLD final against Nottingham in the sunny climes, and bumpy pitch of Market Rasen.

Part of our game plan sought to get our hands on the ball early and that’s just what happened in the first few minutes. Nottingham quickly got in to their own stride though early in the first quarter putting over a penalty from close in.

Tigers were under some pressure camped out in our own 22 early in the half before a good few phases of play saw the pressure reverted with Nottingham defending robustly for most of the second quarter. A good series of phases of play saw the ball shipped out from over the half way line with some space out wide. Despite some fast hands from the backs and Bobby going over to score, the try was disallowed for an earlier forward pass. Tigers kept up the pressure however and slowly pushed in the middle of the park towards the Nottingham goal-line. Under some pressure from some good defending, Ben Edmondson broke through a throng of players from about 15 metres out to score. With a cool headed conversion to follow by Sam Martin, Tigers looked good, in command and confident in the way they had played their half. At the turnaround Tigers seemed a little edgy and for whatever the reason, took their foot of the gas slightly, disregarding the game plan. A second successful penalty attempt to bring the score back to 6-7 increased this edginess somewhat that just gave you the impression that Nottingham would creep back into the game and edge ahead. A further penalty conceded from some distance out saw Nottingham go for the posts with the ball just scraping over the bar from what must have been a very apprehensive Nottingham kicker who deserved huge credit for keeping his head and getting the three points. With Tigers trailing by two points you just got the feeling that we could have pulled something back but with so little time left on the clock, it wasn’t to be. You don’t have to have the expertise of Sir Clive Woodward to know in your bones when a team has given all they could in terms of effort. From a coaches standpoint on the touchline (a point which was echoed by one of the Nottingham coaches) it was difficult to see why collectively we thought we could win the game by changing things in the second half. The reality was that there was no change in strategy but just a slight loss of cool and a bit of panic that set in. Although that might seem a bit harsh it’s important that we learn from the experience or else it would have been pointless experiencing the disappointment!

view more photos in the e4creative U14s NLD Final photo gallery

One disappointing result at the end of our year doesn’t however make it a bad season. There have been some tremendous achievements across the team as a whole with forwards and backs (as units) making some incredible advances and so many individuals making significant achievements and development in their own game. As usual on these occasions a big thanks should go out to families and friends who made the long journey and also to friends, families and players from the under 13s and 15s who took time out to cheer on their fellow club players.

Benedict BROWNE; Bobby CARR; Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMUNDSON; Tom HICKS; Finlay HOLLAND; Bradley HOPKINS; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Jared PARKINSON; Tom RICHARDSON; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Jake THOMSON; Casey WATSON & Kyle YEOMANS.

Ben EDMONDSEN (1T); Sam MARTIN (1C)

Match Report by Doug Carr

This week’s visitors took the long drive down form Yorkshire for a return match from last season which ended up being a good match-up which tested Tigers considerably. On a bit of drizzly day with good conditions underfoot on the first team pitch, Tigers were keen to use the match as the final stage in preparation for next weeks NLD final at Market Rasen.

Straight from the start the Derby pack set about their game plan putting what turned out to be a strong pack under considerable pressure. With about five minutes gone Tigers pressure was converted into a try following an excellent series of phases of play with the ball being shipped out for Frosty to go under the posts. Selby were looking strong but found it quite difficult to get into any sort of rhythm with the Derby pack on song and champing at the bit. A second try form some good and pacey hands from the back line saw Casey Watson run in from deep in our own half to make the score 12-0 going into half time. At the turn around Selby came back into the game scoring in the corner after a good series of phases to put Tigers under some pressure. It wasn’t long however before more pressure from Tigers was converted into a third try of the game with Sam Martin going over from deep with a nice dummy which flummoxed the Selby backline.

Selby were no pushovers in this match. Their forwards in particular played well, were strong in all departments and came across as a good compact group of players who knew what needed to be done to play well. In the end however Tigers pack were nothing short of awesome with everyone stepping up to the plate, playing with a level of maturity and perhaps more importantly being incredibly controlled in executing their game plan. We kind of wanted this match to be a good preparation for next weeks NLD match and in reality we just could not have asked for any of the players to do any more in terms of both effort and commitment. Roll on Sunday and our match-up with Nottingham. On the evidence of today’s game Tigers will be as prepared as they ever could be and ready to take.

Benedict BROWNE; Bobby CARR; Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Tom HICKS; Finlay HOLLAND; Bradley HOPKINS; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Jared PARKINSON; Tom RICHARDSON; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Jake THOMSON; Casey WATSON & Kyle YEOMANS.

Jack COOMBES (1T); Casey WATSON (1T); Sam MARTIN (1T & 2C)

Match Report by Doug Carr

Its been a couple of years since we last played Melbourne and for this years match saw us short of few players with injuries and other commitments. After something of a slow start with play bogged down in some dogged mauling with neither side making any significant breaks, the game opened up slightly. From deep in our own half a nice handling move with a neat reverse slip pass form Bobby Carr saw Ben Edmondson race towards the corner flag for Tigers first score. Tigers got further into their stride with much of the action stemming from midfield with some good hands with Ben Wilkinson stepping lively in for a try. Although the tackling overall was a bit slack and lacking any conviction throughout the game, it was stunning tackle by Thommo which broke down a Melbourne drive with led to Ben Edmundson race over for his second try of the match. Straight from the restart the ball dropped to Thommo who shipped the ball out well to the backs for a third try of the game for Ben Edmundson. To finish off the half Bobby Carr sneaked over for a final try of the half from some distance out.

In what was a convincing first half performance there was still some aspects of Tigers game which needed some sharpening and refining but even with that the scores kept coming for Tigers. Straight from the start Tigers put some pressure on the Melbourne line which saw their full back aim a kick over the head of Casey Watson who scrambled back to recover to pick up cleanly and set off in the corner for his first score of the match. With some of the pressure switching to our half of the pitch a good break from Tom Hicks saw the ball spread out wide for Casey Watson to score his second try which was soon followed by Casey’s hat-trick. Tigers by now were exerting some strong pressure at every opportunity and with around five minutes to go a kick through from Charles Percival saw him scoop up his own kick and score his first try for the Tigers on a sparkling debut. Straight from the restart Frosty collected the ball in a swoop and cut through the midfield defence like a knife through butter to score a great try.

Throughout the match there were obviously aspects of play which weren’t quite as sharp as they could have been but this was a very convincing performance in terms of points on the board and some outstanding contributions from guys playing out of position.

Ben EDMUNDSON (3T); Bobby CARR (1T); Jack COOMBES (1T); Charles PERCIVAL (1T) Ben WILKINSON (1T); Casey WATSON (3T)

Match Report by Doug Carr

This years Under 14s tour was scheduled to take in the delights of sunny Devon with some 27 lads and 20ish dads and grandads. First game of the tour saw us matched up against the Weston Super Mare based team - Hornets. We had met them in a Gullivers Tournament a few years ago which resulted in a draw with what was then a very strong side. Over the two halves Derby had mostly the upper hand eventually running out winners in what was good open game with some good running rugby. After a little bit of refreshment we headed off for Oakhampton to settle in for the remainder of the four days. What with some extensive travel sandwiched between a game, the first night was a bit leisurely with everyone settling down after our evening meal.

No rugby was scheduled for the next day but it was going to be quite busy with other activities. The morning started with an Oakhampton assizes court session presided over by Judge Milligan (City of Derby). The session proved to be the first of three sessions in total with the usual cavalcade of miscreants and reprobates that tend to appear in connection with such heinous crimes (Michael Hicks; Richard Madeley; Chris Thompson & Bobby Carr to name but a few).

After court the lads (joined by a few dads) took themselves off for some mountain biking on a 8 mile all terrain bike ride whilst some of the dads jumped at the chance to take in the extremely well appointed Museum of Devon Life to marvel at the intricacies of the Marstons Patented Threshing Machine. On the way back to lunch at the hostel a few of the dads took the opportunity to browse the charity shop for some dresses and handbags (I don’t know how often they engage in this sort of thing but they seemed just a little too comfortable doing it for my liking).

After lunch at the hostel we moved en masse to the swimming pool where most of the lads enjoyed a swim although 30 odd lads and dads frolicking in the pool must have put some people off who were expecting a leisurely afternoon swim before tea. A game of five a side football beckoned for almost everybody straight after the swim which if nothing else would tire everybody out and ensure an early night for the game the next day. In the evening we all trooped down into town to sample the delights of the Plymouth Inn for a bit of Steak and Ale Pie. Saturday saw us make our way to Barnstaple - somewhat belatedly following the obligatory stop at Sainsbury’s to buy lipstick (I’m not sure but I think it’s a forward thing!). Eventually we reached the ground and the lads took the field against a very strong side which again produced a good physical but open game. I’m not quite sure what the score was but the first half side faired slightly better against a good strong side on a big pitch. After the lads game the dads were due to play a game against a side which we thought were going to be made up of Barnstaple dads. What turned out though was some good collection of vets and a spattering of younger guys all of whom who still obviously played a bit. Despite the aches and pains (which lasted for days and probably still linger for many) a 30 minute run around was enjoyed by everyone – especially the lads high in the stands who insisted on singing at every opportunity – you’re not fit to way the shirt (priceless!). Our hosts for the day looked after us well but pretty soon it was time to make our way back to Oakhampton for another evening at the Plymouth Inn, taking over the pub and settling in for the England v France match.
	view more Tour Photos

The last day of the tour saw us pack up early and get one final session of court in before leaving for our last game. Following a short coach journey up the A30, a good game beckoned against Exeter Saracens. I happened to referee this game and I couldn’t believe how pacey it was right from the start. Within the first five minutes everyone was breathing hard which helped me somewhat because I thought it was just me that was unfit and out of breath. In what ended up a really tight and hard physical game (which Saracens edged slightly with a try in the last minute) it was obvious from the accolades the lads received from parents and coaches, that it had been well received in terms of its quality and the way it was played.

The Saracens shop happened to be open selling new and old shirts some of which were snapped up at rock bottom prices such that almost everybody had some sort of Saracens shirt on. After taking a picture (see right) of some of the dads looking resplendent in their red shirts I mentioned that they looked more like rugby players than they had ever done before (which was strange really because they had actually played a game in kit, on a rugby pitch the day before!). Following a bite to eat most of the lads took themselves off to watch the under 15s ladies match amid cries of number, 12 number 12, number 12 (she was good player!).

As ever the tour ended up being a great event with some hard competitive games of rugby and more than just a few chance for the lads to have great time as a group. Although I did the easy bit of organising games the extremely hard work both before and during the tour goes to Rich Madeley and Glenn Martin. There is a great deal of stuff that needs to be done in organising an event such as this and they worked hard, well over and above the call of duty, to make it work out so well. The lads (but not all the dads) were a credit to the club with top tourer awards going to Foggy and Frosty. All that’s left to say before next years tour is - Osserviamo in avanti al giro.

Tour report by Doug Carr – Photos by Doug Carr and Jake Roome

A date with Deepings in the rescheduled NLD Cup semi-final saw Tigers travel out to the wilds of Sleaford with a pitch in perfect condition but with something of ferocious wind buffeting both players and spectators. At first sight Deepings seemed a big strong squad who have had some good results recently coming in second place in their NLD qualifying group.

Straight from the start Tigers looked like they wanted to stamp some authority on the game with some great phases being put together to set the tone for most of the game. Within five minutes some good handling in the backs saw them hit the Deepings back line from the half-way line with Jake Roome eventually running in a good score from some way out under some stout defending. Some five minutes later, and after some considerable pressure, a kick reception from Ben Edmundson saw him run the ball back to the Deepings defence before he was tackled just inside the 22. Some excellent recycling of the ball tied up in a couple of good phases, saw the ball being spun out to the backs for Ben Wilkinson to nip in for a try under the posts.

In the second half Deepings came back into the game more but seemed to rely too heavily on a kicking game and not wanting or feeling able to release their back line which in all truth had looked quite handy and more than willing to go forward. The second half saw no further score by either side but Tigers didn’t give up much and kept the pressure on throughout. From a purely personal perspective the most impressive aspect of the game was the way the lads built multiple phases of play against some tough opposition who gave absolutely no ground whatsoever. In reflecting on the overall team performance with the coaches, there is always something to learn from any game but there was certainly nothing significant to worry about in preparation for our remaining games on the schedule.

Benedict BROWNE; Bobby CARR; Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Tom HICKS; Finlay HOLLAND; Bradley HOPKINS; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Jared PARKINSON; Tom RICHARDSON; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Jake THOMSON; Casey WATSON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON; Kyle YEOMANS.

Scorers: Jake ROOME; Ben WILKINSON (1T each) and Sam MARTIN (2 C).

Match Report by Dougie Carr

In the second of a run-in of five games against strong opposition in the late part of the year, Tigers were pitched up against Wolverhampton.  In last seasons games against them we were run really close at the Lexus qualifying at the start of the season and convincingly beaten on a horrible wet and cold day in January. A strong side by reputation who have had some very good results looked as if they would be something of a stiff test for Tigers.  The game was split into three thirds giving Tigers a chance to give some much needed game time to players (who through no fault of their own) have not been playing as much as I’m sure they would like to. 

Straight from the start both sides worked hard at getting the edge but it was Wolverhampton who put their mark on the game with a couple of nicely worked tries.  A couple of accomplished conversions from the Wolverhampton kicker saw them going into the break convincingly in the lead by 14 points to nil with what looked like a difficult mountain for Derby to climb.  In the second third however Tigers came out fighting with a couple of tries in response which were both converted by Sam Martin to see Tigers close the second third honours even at 14 points apiece.    

It was the final third however which made the difference with Wolverhampton bringing on some of their development players and Tigers making the most of game time for those who haven’t played much recently.  If the first two thirds were a bit nip and tuck the final third of the match was everything but, with Tigers backs working on some great early (and quality!) ball at the breakdown which saw FIVE further tries being run in before the final whistle.  In the end Tigers produced what can only be described as an outstanding performance against really strong opposition in what were less than ideal conditions underfoot.  As in recent matches the forwards gave away nothing with some ferocious rolling mauling but most encouraging of all was the back line who stepped up more than a couple of gears to produce their performance of the year so far. What mattered most of all however was the combined performance that was put on with forwards and backs in (let’s not beat about the bush here!) perfect synergy. On the strength of this (and other recent performances) next weeks game against Nottingham will present an interesting test for our local rivals – roll on Sunday!!!!!!

Benedict BROWNE; Bobby CARR; Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Tom HICKS; Finlay HOLLAND; Bradley HOPKINS; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Jared PARKINSON; Tom RICHARDSON; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Jake THOMSON; Casey WATSON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON; Kyle YEOMANS. 

Scorers: Luke FRIXOU; & Casey WATSON (1T each)Tom HICKS (2T) Ben EDMUNDSON (3 T) and Sam MARTIN (5 C). 

Match Report by Dougie Carr

The last day of the NLD qualifying matches saw Tigers matched up against Stamford, NLD winners in previous age groups on more than one occasion.  The weather forecast predicted some wet and cold weather and on the long drive through Leicestershire there was little let up in either the chill or the rain.  With Tigers being on one point fewer than both Keseteven and Nottingham (in one of the other qualifying groups) a win was always the only score that would see Tigers progressing to the semi-finals.  

The match started quite briskly with Stamford going down-hill with the wind at their back.  It was Tigers who opened the scoring however with a try coming from a fast break by Harry Rudkin who, when tackled close to the line, delivered a delightful pop pass to a superbly timed run by Luke Frixou to score in the corner.  Stamford replied soon after however when Tigers conceded the first of a trio of telling penalties close enough to the Tigers line to be kicked over with some ease by the Stamford fly-half.  A second try came for Tigers following some nice phases of play which ended with Sam Martin kicking through for Ben Edmundson to score in the corner.  Another two further conceded penalties were converted which saw Tigers just holding on to a 10 – 9 lead at the end of the first half.   

In the second half Tigers kicked off with a strong wind at their back and started to get in a bit of a groove early into the half. Soon after the start Tigers put some pressure on Stamford close to the line but were unable to score with Stamford defending stoutly to keep Tigers out.  In the middle of the half Tigers again put further pressure on Stamford forcing a handling error deep in their 22 with Tom Hicks dropping on the ball from a fast run towards the line from 20 yards out. 

In the end Tigers produced a good (but not entirely convincing) performance in some atrocious conditions and with the boys under some considerable pressure.  As in other recent matches the forwards put on a great show with some outstanding performances from a pack which didn’t give away much. If the Tigers are to progress however there is still some hard work to get through in order to beat the calibre of the other teams – roll on next year and whatever or whoever the draw might bring!  

Benedict BROWNE; Bobby CARR; Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Tom HICKS; Finlay HOLLAND; Bradley HOPKINS; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Jared PARKINSON; Tom RICHARDSON; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Jake THOMSON; Casey WATSON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON; Kyle YEOMANS. 

Scorers: Luke FRIXOU; Ben EDMUNDSON & Tom HICKS (1T each) and Sam MARTIN (1 C). 

Match Report by Dougie Carr

After excellent performances resulting in victories against a quality Spalding side in the NLD Shield, and a development XV at Ashby, the Stags travelled into Lincolnshire to meet Kesteven. It was clear from the off that Kesteven were a very strong side and that the Stags would have their work cut out to stay in touch.

Unfortunately, Kesteven managed to build up some momentum with a couple of breakaway tries, putting the Stags on the back foot.

For the second quarter the Stags really pulled together to prevent Kesteven playing the game they wanted to. The Stags forwards worked very hard, moving forward when they had the ball, and pressuring Kesteven in defence. The backs were moving the ball well, running hard and missed out on a scoring through good defence by Kesteven and a couple of forced errors and unlucky bounces. In defence they tackled hard, played in Kesteven’s faces and prevented them from using the ball. In an impressive quarter where the Stags avoided conceding any further points, some excellent handling involving the whole team was finally rewarded with a well taken score in the corner by Ashley Morrissey.

After half-time a similar pattern emerged, with the changes made taking the Stags out of the rhythm that they had established and again allowing Kesteven to regather the momentum that they had previously established.

As always the Stags never stopped playing with 100% commitment, and when the score ticked past the 50-point margin with 3 minutes to go they had no desire to take the option to finish the game, preferring to throw everything they had into a final attempt to score one more try. 

The final score of 57-05 doesn’t do credit to the spirited performance against a much stronger side, and the lads can be proud of the commitment and character they showed throughout the game.

Match Report by Steve Giller

Lexus Tournament (Pool Matches)

Derby 12 Walsall 0

Derby  29 Kenilworth 10

Derby 15 Norwich 12 

Semi-final: Derby 29 Olney 0 

Final: Derby 0 Nottingham 12  

Squad: Benedict BROWNE: Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Tom HICKS; Bradley HOPKINS; Sam MARTIN; Jarred PARKINSON; Charles POPP; Tom RICHARDSON; Harry RUDKIN; Casey WATSON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON; Kyle YEOMANS. 

Last year’s achievements in winning both the qualifying and finals days for the Lexus tournament represented something of a high for last years Tigers squad.  Apart from Hinckley, Derby’s opponents in the pool matches of this year’s Lexus Tournament were first match-ups against Kenilworth and Walsall.  The opening match against Walsall was a bit of a slow tentative affair but eventually Derby got into a groove running in two tries against a strong and good looking Walsall side.  After a long break between games, Kenilworth were next up which initially looked to be something of an easy ride through with two tries from Jake Thomson and Harry Rudkin and two conversions coming relatively quickly. In the second half Derby got of to a brisk start with a try from Tom Hicks running the ball back from 70 yards.  Derby however got something of shock when Kenilworth replied with two quick tries in succession.  Derby got back into the game quickly with a couple more tries from Ben Edmundson in the corner and Sam Martin to finish off the game in convincing manner. 

In the last match of the pool Derby were pitched up against Norwich and were shocked by two quick scores which seemed to put the lads on the back foot somewhat.  Straight after Norwich’s second score however, Derby came back from a scrum on the right with the ball coming straight out for Ben Edmundson to go over in the other corner.  Straight from the restart, Tom Hicks brought the score closer with a run-in which though not converted still left Derby two points behind.  In the last minute of the match however a set of great forwards and backs moves, initiated from a No 8 pickup by Harry Rudkin and finishing with another score from Tom Hicks brought a close but well deserved win.    In winning three games out of three in their pool matches, Derby marched on to the semi-final with a match-up against Olney.    

Olney had looked good in their pool matches coming in second place to Nottingham.  Derby however, looked impressive scoring early on from a move which looked good seeing Luke Frixou score his first of the day.  A second score of the game for Luke Frixou came from a fine chase down of a kick deep into the Olney half.  In the second half Derby wrapped up the game convincingly with a further three tries from Tom Hicks and Ben Edmundson.  

With Nottingham winning their semi-final the last game of the day saw Derby meeting their local rivals in the final.  Derby had the lions share of a tense first half putting Nottingham under real pressure close to their line especially in the first five minutes.  On what seemed to be a quick turn of fortune however Nottingham re-established themselves scoring a try that seemed to settle some of their jitters.  A try in the second half sealed a good and deserved win for Nottingham who were able to step up a gear when it was needed.  All in all the tournament produced some good performances and whilst the loss against Nottingham hit a little bit hard, we can have no complaints about what were an impressive set of performance so early in the season.

Report by Dougie Carr

Webmaster update: View the Lexus 2007 U14s Photograph Gallery for photos of the U14s in action.

Derby Tigers 19 - 07 Paviors 

For the first competitive match of the year we could have done without it being a tough cup match with a strong Paviors side who ran out convincing winners in last years match-up.  Straight from the start Paviors exerted some strong pressure in the Tigers half and it didn’t take long before pressure was converted into a quick try from Paviors. Much of the first half was nip and tuck in terms of possession with Tigers unable to get the ball out wide and with Paviors playing a bit of rush defence to put the Tigers backs under pressure. 

With almost the first real run of the half by the backs, the ball eventually reached the hands of Ben Edmondson who sprinted into the corner from some distance to bring down the deficit.  Tigers continued their pressure with a second score before the end thanks mostly to some great forward pressure with the ball being eventually taken over by Jake Thomson.  At the turn-around the tough edge to the game continued with some strong pressure from each side. Midway through the half some great hands from both backs and forwards saw the ball getting out to Tom Hicks who raced in for Tigers third try of the game. 

Overall, Tigers played something of their usual game in starting slow but building up the cohesive and fluidity eventually.  We don’t usually mention anyone as being man of the match but for all who saw it, the performance by Benedict Brown was an outstanding contribution to what will no doubt be a challenging year.    

Scorers: Ben EDMONDSON (1T); Tom HICKS (1T); Jake THOMSON (1T); Sam MARTIN (2C)

Squad: Benedict BROWNE: Jack COOMBES; Ben EDMONDSEN; Tom HICKS; Finlay HOLLAND; Bradley HOPKINS; Sam MARTIN; Jarred PARKINSON; Charles POPP; Tom RICHARDSON; Will SHEVLIN; Casey WATSON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON; Kyle YEOMANS.

Derby Stags 31 - 29 Spalding 

Like the Tigers match-up against Paviors, the first game of the season for Stags saw them up against a big and strong Spalding side providing a significant test for the start of the season.  From the start Spalding put the Stags under some pressure scoring a quick try in the first few minutes.  It wasn’t long however before Stags pegged back the Spalding lead with a try from Sam Hutsby. Another quick try from Spalding also saw a quick reply with a second try for Sam Hutsby following some good back handling.  The heavy Spalding pack put some significant pressure on the Stags forwards throughout the first half and generally had the upper hand although when the ball came out to the backs it lead to some good possession downfield for the Stags.   

In the second half Spalding took the lead once more which was again responded to quickly with a try from Ashley Morrisey.  With the game so close in scores Stags stuck to their game plan well plugging away with good possession and field position.  The deadlock in scores was broken however straight after the kick-off from Spaldings try with a return by Ashley Morrisey which was run straight back to put Stags deservedly in the lead.  Looking good and relatively comfortable but still behind by five points, Sam Hutsby ran in from about 35 yards out for his third try of the game and a winning score, by two points for the Stags.  

All in all this was an extremely impressive performance by Stags who refused to give up and to be honest always looked as though they could take the game if they had the belief.   Next up is a tough game against Ilkeston but with so many positives coming out of this game Stags will have many positives to work on.

Squad: Fraser BROWN; Ashley CAMPBELL; George CAMPBELL; Omari CROSSDALE-WILLIAMSON; Alex GREEN; Dominic HANCOCK; Callum HAY; Matt HAYNES; Scott HAYWOOD; Sam HEY; Sam HUTSBY; Nathan JONES; Alex MISKOW; Hayden MORRIS; Ashley MORRISEY; Christian PRIESTLEY; Rhys SHERWOOD; Ross SIAN; Alex SINGH; Josh SURGA; Luke WALTON; Louis WILSON 

Match Reports by Dougie Carr