Derby RFC

Seniors 2011/12 Match Reports - 1st XV

Match Reports for the 2011/12 Season are within this page, scroll up / down to view them. Click on the following link to go back to the Seniors Main page

28th Jan'12: Nuneaton Old Edwardians 26 - 43 Derby 

Derby travelled to Weddington Road, after a weather enforced 2 week break, looking to continue their winning run.

Nuneaton, although at the wrong end of the table, have a formidable home record and were not opponents that Derby could afford to take lightly.

Indeed 3 minutes into the game, Nuneaton were ahead. A catch and drive, drove right over the Derby line and Garnham touched down. Jones converted.

Derby took a few minutes to re-group, but then swept Nuneaton aside, with probably the best spell of rugby since Christmas. 6 tries were scored in the final 30 minutes of the half as forwards and backs combined superbly.

The first came from one of many Tom Taylor-Dawes’ breaks off the back of the scrum. The forwards drove on and Josh Tizard touched down.

4 minutes later, Josh Tilford took the line out, the pack crossed the Nuneaton line and Sam Hobbs emerged with the ball. Josh Tizard added the conversion.

In the 17^th minute, Ryan Manning caught a Ben Marlow chip and sprinted clear. He timed his pass beautifully and Mikey Robertson scored. Josh Tizard again converted.

Nuneaton hit back with a try after 28 minutes, when Cape scored.

Derby kept pressing however and when the referee lost patience with Nuneaton and dispatched Simpson and Peacock to the sin bin within 4 minutes of each other, Derby took full advantage.

Ben Marlow put Chris Meddings through for the next try, which Josh Tizard converted.

A Derby scrum then left Nuneaton without enough defenders and Ed Hutchinson scored in the corner.

A break from Josh Tizard took him clear and his pass found Louis Gandalfo and he sprinted clear to score.

Half time saw Derby 36 – 12 ahead and the 5 point victory in the bag.

The second half was slightly disappointing as Derby seemed unable to regain the fluency of the first 40 minutes.

Mikey Robertson broke clear to score after 63 minutes with Josh Tizard converting.

2 late tries from Nuneaton, through Peacock and Kalnins which Jones converted, gave the hosts a bonus point for scoring 4 tries; the second with Ryan Manning in the sin bin.

An excellent win for Derby was made all the better when news came through that both Kettering and Paviors had been beaten at home. Derby are now 11 points clear, but with a tough game ahead, against in form Matlock, at Haslams next week!

Come on Derby !

Here's the Nuneaton Old Edwardians v Derby Photograph gallery.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

28th Jan'12: Bedford Athletic 12 - 26 Derby

Derby travelled to Putnoe Woods, knowing a tough task awaited them. Bedford Athletic had already beaten Kettering and Paviors at home this season !

Derby welcomed back Mikey Robertson, Ryan Manning, and Eldon Atherton into the starting line up, although, unfortunately, Ryan Manning didn’t make it past half time. Also returning was Phil Robinson who ran out to make his 100th appearance.

Derby kicked off and following the pattern of recent weeks, made a steady start.

Just as Derby started to build momentum, attacking the Bedford Athletic 22, the ball was lost in contact. With Derby committed to attack, Bedford Athletic swept down the field allowing winger Mills to score. Mortimer added the conversion after 17 minutes.

Derby started to build again and narrowed the gap after 21 minutes when Andy Brown kicked a penalty, becoming the 6th successful kicker this season for Derby ! Andy Brown repeated the trick 10 minutes later.

At this stage Derby were dominant, forcing Bedford to defend deep in their 22. Eventually the referee lost patience with the number of penalties Bedford Athletic were conceding and sent Mills to the sin bin.

Derby took advantage almost immediately, just before half time. The forwards drove Ben Coombes over the line, for his first try of the season. Andy Brown added the conversion, to leave Derby 13 – 7 ahead at half time.

The second half continued as the first half had ended, with Derby in control but unable to make it count. Credit has to go to determined Bedford Athletic defence.

Derby kept forcing penalties and Andy Brown converted on 46 and 64 minutes to extend the lead.

Derby finally secured the game thanks to a try with 3 minutes remaining. Andy Brown kicked a penalty into the Bedford Athletic 22. Pete Wilcox found Josh Tilford with the line out. The forwards rumbled on and Joe Pass broke clear to score his first try of the season. Andy Brown converted, to maintain his perfect record and a match total of 16 points.

There was just time for Bedford Athletic to score a consolation try, in the corner, through scrum half Orton.

The final whistle saw Derby comfortable winners, with a solid performance, dominated by the forwards. However a bonus point win for Kettering narrows the gap to 7 points.

The local derby against Matlock is at Haslams next Saturday.

Come on Derby !

Here's the Bedford Athletic v Derby Photograph gallery.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

21st Jan'12: Derby 15 - 03 Market Rasen & Louth

The side Derby selected was probably the youngest the club has ever fielded, with an average age of just 22 years and 4 months.

Derby were able to welcome back Ben Marlow and Joe Pass, but suffered a blow just before kickoff, when Tom Turner injured his ankle.

Fortunately for Derby, they were able to bring in Richard Sparkes, although this did raise the average age by 3 months !

Market Rasen kicked off on a dry afternoon, but with the pitch still sticky from the morning rain. A further problem for the players was a strong wind which was blowing across the pitch.

It was Market Rasen who settled first and they spent the first 10 minutes pushing Derby back. Derby defended well however, including successfully stopping a 5 metre scrum to the much bigger Market Rasen pack.

After 16 minutes Derby took the lead. Chris Meddings kicked a penalty to the corner. Richard Sparkes claimed the line out and the Derby forwards drove Market Rasen back.  Josh Tizard took the ball and found Ben Marlow. 1 step was all it took to send the defence the wrong way and he scored under the posts.  Jake Roome added the conversion.

Derby pressed for most of the rest of the half, but were unable to make any of the opportunities count, including a missed kick at goal.

Half time saw Derby still 7 – 0 ahead, but an improved performance would be required in the second half to secure victory.

A strong run by Tom Taylor-Dawes, at the beginning of the second half, led to a penalty. Jake Roome kicked the 3 points, via a post.

These points were soon cancelled out by a Market Rasen penalty.

After 11 minutes, Derby scored a second try. Again Richard Sparkes took the line out, but this time the forwards drove over the line and Todd Bullions touched down for his 6^th try of the season.

That proved to be the final score of the day, despite Market Rasen’s best efforts. The closest they came to scoring was with a kick through, but Jake Roome won the chase to touch the ball down.

Excellent tackling and defence won the day for Derby, who were not at their fluent best.

Hopefully next week will see an improvement as Derby travel to Bedford.

Come on Derby ! 

Here's the Derby v Market Rasen & Louth Photograph gallery.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

14th Jan'12: Leighton Buzzard 10 - 34 Derby

Derby travelled to Leighton Buzzard, with injuries decimating their back line. This resulted in debuts for both wingers; Colt Jake Roome and John Down.

A cold but clear day greeted the teams as they ran out at Wrights Meadow.

Derby were soon on the attack and Josh Tilford was hauled down, just short of the line, in the first minute.

Derby continued to press and got their reward after 8 minutes when the forwards drove over, with Max Argyle touching down.

It was not all one way traffic and it was Leighton Buzzard who scored next, after 13 minutes, to level the scores.

After 16 minutes, an excellent break by Andy Brown gave Derby excellent field position. The forwards recycled the ball and Andy Brown took the pass and touched down.

Derby scored their third try of the half after 24 minutes. A penalty was won and kicked to the corner. The line out was safely gathered and the pack drove over the Leighton Buzzard line. Colt Rob Beeston touching down for his first senior try.

Colt Jake Roome took over the kicking duties and did well to convert from wide out.

This proved to be the final score of the half, so Derby turned round 17 – 5 ahead.

The second half started with a break from the excellent Chris Meddings. Derby forced Leighton Buzzard to concede penalties and the referee eventually lost patience and produced a yellow card with only 6 minutes gone.

Derby took full advantage, with 2 tries in the next 5 minutes. The forwards created and scored both; Max Argyle with the first then Josh Tilford.

After 56 minutes, Leighton Buzzard scored their second try, with a clever line out move.

The scoring was completed, with 20 minutes still remaining, when the forwards again drove over the Leighton Buzzard line. This time it was Todd Bullions who appeared with the ball. Jake Roome added his second conversion.

Derby used their replacements, but were content to see the game out, satisfied with a bonus point victory.

With Kettering having their match postponed, Derby are now 9 points clear.

Market Rasen are the visitors to Haslams next week.

Come on Derby ! 

Here's the Leighton Buzzard v Derby Photograph gallery.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

7th Jan'12: Derby 20 - 14 Ilkeston

The first game of 2012 saw two of the inform teams meet at Haslams. Derby have lost only once all season, while Ilkeston had won their last five, including wins over Kettering (2nd) and Paviors (3rd).

A winger shortage meant the Phil Robinson moved from his usual scrum half position, with Josh Tizard wearing the 9 shirt.

Ilkeston kicked off, on a gloomy, damp day. It was Ilkeston who settled first and in fact, they dominated the opening 5 minutes, helped by some poor clearing kicks from the Derby side.

The pressure at the end of the 5 minute spell told, as an Ilkeston penalty was kicked to touch. The line out was won and the Ilkeston forwards drove over the Derby line, with flanker McKelvie claiming the try. Connelly converted.

Derby gradually worked their way back into the game and Chris Meddings, kicking in place of the injured Matt Down, kicked a penalty after 12 minutes.

Derby were gradually getting on top and scored a deserved try after 30 minutes. The ball was worked across the pitch and after many phases of play, Chris Meddings touched down for his 12th try of the season. Meddings then converted to take Derby into the lead.

The final 4 minutes of the half belonged to man of the match Ryan Manning. His first break led to a try from the outstanding Max Argyle. He then repeated the trick, breaking through tackles, before giving a scoring pass to Phil Robinson. The half time whistle saw Derby deservedly 20 – 7 ahead, but with the game by no means won.

As in the first half, Ilkeston started strongly and after 5 minutes, missed tackles allowed Greg Taylor to score a try, which Connelly converted. Ilkeston were definitely in the ascendency at this point and kept Derby pinned back. Derby lost Todd Bullions to the sin bin after 13 minutes, but crucially Ilkeston were unable to make the extra man count, as excellent Derby defence kept them at bay.

Derby dominated the final stages and almost clinched a bonus point when Ed Hutchinson slid a kick through. 3 Derby players were clear, but were judged offside.

Derby ran the clock down efficiently to clinch the victory and remain top of the table. A trip to Leighton Buzzard awaits next week.

Come on Derby !

Here's the Derby v Ilkeston Photograph gallery.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

17th Dec'11: Loughborough 08 - 19 Derby

Derby started the second half of their league campaign with the return fixture against Loughborough. When the sides met in September, Derby won 64 – 0. Loughborough’s recent results, including a victory over Kettering, meant that score line was unlikely to be repeated.

So it proved, on a cold, dreary day.

Loughborough kicked off, playing towards the clubhouse and took the lead after only 4 minutes with a penalty from Jonny Sykes.

After 9 minutes, Derby where attacking deep in the Loughborough 22, when a misplaced pass found the Loughborough winger, Jonny Sykes. He sprinted clear and touched down to put Loughborough 8 points clear.

2 minutes later, Matt Down kicked a penalty and 4 minutes later he repeated the trick, to narrow the gap to 2 points.

On 24 minutes, Loughborough had a scrum in the Derby half. The ball ran loose and Mickey Robertson hacked through. He won the chase , picked up and slid over for his 10^th try of the season.

Things got even better for Derby 2 minutes before the break. Chris Meddings made a break and found Ed Hutchinson, joining the line from full back. He, in turn found Andy Brown, who sprinted away to score in the corner, becoming the leading try scorer for the season in the process, with 12 tries.

The half time whistle left the Derby supporters optimistic that Derby could stretch away and win comfortably. As it turned out, Loughborough had other ideas !

Derby spent the first 20 minutes of the half attacking, but were unable to take any of the opportunities they created.

Matt Down kicked a penalty, after 22 minutes, with Loughborough losing a player, Sands, to the sin bin.

Derby were unable to take advantage of the extra man and with 10 minutes left, lost Tom Turner to a yellow card.

Shortly afterwards, Matt Down had to leave the pitch with an injury and with all replacements used, had to play with 13 men.

Excellent defence kept Loughborough out and despite all their pressure Loughborough were unable to add to their first half scores.

The final whistle saw Derby winners of a tight game against determined opponents.

The league table shows that Kettering have cut the lead to 4 points as the Christmas break arrives.

The league resumes with on form Ilkeston visiting Haslams on 7^th January.

Come on Derby ! 

Here's the Loughborough v Derby Photograph gallery.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

10th Dec'11: Peterborough 05 - 34 Derby

Derby welcomed back Ben Coombes, Tom Taylor Dawes, Mikey Robertson and Chris Meddings to the starting line up, for the long trip to Peterborough.

Peterborough kicked off on a bitterly cold day, but it was Derby on the board first with a Matt Down penalty, after 6 minutes.

Peterborough then dominated the next 15 minutes; pressing forward, winning penalties, kicking to the corners and using their impressive line out.

Derby defended well, helped it must be said by a catalogue of Peterborough errors, with knock-on being a much used phrase.

Peterborough finally scored, when their forwards drove over from a line out after 24 minutes.

Derby started to work their way back into the game. After a series of attacking scrums, Peterborough gave away 1 penalty too many and lost a player to the sin bin, after 33 minutes. Matt Down put Derby back in front with the penalty.

6 minutes later, Derby were attacking again and Peterborough lost a second player to the sin bin. Derby opted for a scrum against 6 forwards and Tom Taylor Dawes picked up at the base to score. Matt Down’s conversion made the half time score 13 – 5 to Derby.

The second half started with Peterborough looking to strike back. After 8 minutes it was Derby who scored though. The ball went to Andy Brown on the wing and he broke through tackles to score. Matt Down added the extras.

10 minutes later, Derby extended their lead. A superb, flowing move allowed Chris Meddings to burst clear and his pass found Andy Brown who sprinted clear to score. Another successful conversion from Matt Down put Derby 22 points clear and the win was secure.

The only question remaining was could Derby score a 4th try and secure a bonus point.

Peterborough continued to try to find a way through the excellent Derby defence and with 3 minutes remaining it looked as if the bonus point was not an option. Then, Peterborough again lost the ball and replacement Ryan Manning collected. He quickly found Andy Brown who sprinted half the length of the pitch to score and complete his hat trick. Almost inevitably Matt Down added the conversion, to complete the scoring.

The 5 point win looked even better when the news came through that 2nd place Kettering had lost and Derby were 5 points clear at the top !

Derby have now played every team in the league and could not have wished for a much better first half of the season.

Can the second half match it ?

Come on Derby !

Photographs from the Peterborough v Derby game can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

3rd Dec'11: Derby 29 - 15 Spalding

After the disappointment of Kettering, Derby were looking to get back to winning ways against Spalding. The side showed a number of changes, with Pete Wilcox, Adam Wilson, Tom Turner, Ollie Saffell and Ryan Manning all starting.  

Spalding kicked off, but it was Derby who were first to press. 

Derby pinned Spalding back, without really creating a clear opening, before Matt Down kicked a penalty after 25 minutes. Spalding also lost centre, Williams, to the sin bin. 

Derby made the 1 man advantage count. Matt Down kicked another penalty to the corner. The Derby pack won the ball and drove over the Spalding line; Max Argyle emerged with the ball to take the congratulations. 

Spalding narrowed the gap with their first foray into Derby territory, with Hankinson kicking a penalty, after 32 minutes. 

Spalding then lost winger Phillips to the sin bin, but despite good breaks from Ryan Manning and Todd Bullions Derby were unable to add to their tally. 

This left the half time score 8 – 3 in Derby’s favour. 

The second half started with a bang. Spalding were awarded a penalty. Hankinson missed and Derby ran the ball back.

Unfortunately the ball was lost and Chappell, the Spalding centre, scored a try. Hankinson converted and Spalding had the lead 2 minutes into the half ! 

Within 3 minutes Derby were ahead again. Good work from the Derby forwards, with Josh Tilford prominent, led to Simon Long crashing over. Matt Down converted and Derby were 5 points ahead again. 

10 minutes later a Derby throw in, 15 metres from the Spalding line, was taken by Josh Tilford who broke free and scored. Matt Down again converted. 

With 5 minutes remaining, Spalding were pressing for a score that would give them a bonus point. Derby lost Max Argyle to the sin bin and Spalding were able to take advantage of the extra man, with Chappell again touching down. 

22 – 15 looked likely to be the final score, as the game entered injury time, but Derby had other ideas. 

The forwards controlled the ball and Josh Tizard’s pass found Andy Brown.  He cut back, spun out of a tackle and forced his way over the line, to give Derby a bonus point for 4 tries ! 

Matt Down duly converted and Derby had won. 

A fine performance from Derby, with the forwards being particularly impressive. Max Argyle was nominated as man of the match. Spalding were perhaps slightly unfortunate not to gain a losing bonus point. 

With Kettering and Paviors both losing, this win sees Derby return to the top of the table. A long trip to Peterborough awaits next week. 

Come on Derby ! 

Photographs from the Midlands 1 East Derby v Spalding fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

19th Nov'11: Kettering 42 - 12 Derby

After ten straight victories, Derby’s winning run came to a decisive halt at Waverly Road on Saturday.

Derby kicked off on a beautiful sunny day. Ashley Stringer replaced Darren Hersey on the wing, while Simon Long returned to the starting line up.

After 6 minutes, Phil Robinson left the field with a blood injury. He reappeared swathed in a bandage !

Kettering took the lead after 7 minutes with a penalty.

Derby hit back immediately. The kick off was gathered by Josh Tilford who made good ground. The ball was recycled and passed down the line. It arrived at Mikey Robertson, who burst through to score.

Matt Down converted, to give Derby the lead, 7 – 3.

Unfortunately this proved to be as good as it got for Derby.

Kettering kicked a penalty, after 25 minutes, to narrow the gap.

The 10 minutes before half time could not have gone much worse for Derby as Kettering took control.

The first try was a lovely run, cutting back inside and racing clear. The conversion followed.

Derby were under pressure and conceded another try 4 minutes later, which was again converted.

Phil Robinson then completed an eventful half by being sent to the sin bin. Kettering took advantage of the extra man to score another converted try.

Half time and Kettering were 27 – 7 ahead.

Derby needed to regroup and start the second half well if they were to work their way back into the game.

9 minutes into the half, the difficult became almost impossible. Sam Hobbs was shown a red card for punching and Kettering kicked the penalty.

After 60 minutes, good work from Derby, with Chris Meddings and Mikey Robertson prominent, allowed replacement, Ryan Manning to score in the corner.

It was Kettering who had the last word however with 2 tries in the final 15 minutes.

1 conversion completed the scoring.

The better side on the day definitely won and the result sees Kettering go top of the league, pushing Derby into 2nd place.

Derby now need to regroup. They have not become a bad team overnight and more than half the season remains. There is no game next Saturday, before Spalding arrive at Haslams on 3rd December.

Come on Derby !

Photographs from the Midlands 1 East Kettering v Derby fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

12th Nov'11: Derby 22 - 19 Paviors

When first plays third, it is likely to be a tense, tight game and so it proved at Haslams on Saturday. 

Phil Robinson returned for Derby, while Paul McCartin and Tom Taylor-Dawes started for the first time. 

It was Paviors who settled first and after a missed penalty attempt, they took the lead after 6 minutes.  Derby were breaking clear, but lost the ball. Paviors pounced and Doug Billam touched down. Danny Graney added the conversion. 

Derby started to have some possession and after a good run, Darren Hersey was stopped by a high tackle, Matt Down struck a penalty after 18 minutes to narrow the gap. 

Paviors then lost Number 8 Langham to the sin bin and Derby were able to take full advantage. 

The Derby pack worked the ball one way and then the other, before releasing Mikey Robertson to cut through the defence. He drew the last man and found Chris Meddings who scored. Matt Down’s conversion gave Derby the lead for the first time. 

Derby pressed for the remainder of the half, but were unable to add any points. The nearest they came was when Darren Hersey just lost a race to touch the ball down in the corner and a good run from Andy Brown. 

Half time and not much in it ! 

Derby struck first in the second half, with a Matt Down penalty after 2 minutes. 

3 minutes later, Paviors were in front. An attempted drop goal hit the post and Bobby Ratcliffe reacted first to pick up the loose ball and touchdown. Graney’s conversion put Paviors 1 point clear. 

Derby struck back with 2 Matt Down penalties to go back in the lead. 

Paviors had a spell of pressure and were held up over the Derby line. Paviors kept pressing and were rewarded when a clearing kick went to George Billam and he scored. The conversion was missed, leaving the scores tied, with 12 minutes left. 

6 minutes remained, when Paviors conceded another penalty. Up stepped Matt Down and the ball sailed between the posts. This gave Matt 6 out of 6 and a 17 point haul. 

The game ended with Derby in possession, but in their own 22! 

An excellent game, between 2 committed sides, with very little to choose between them. Derby, though, came through to extend their winning run. 

2^nd place Kettering, away,  awaits next week. 

Come on Derby ! 

Match Report by Richard Bambra

29th Oct'11: Coalville 07 - 30 Derby

A dull day greeted the teams as they ran out at The Memorial Ground. A stiff breeze was blowing straight down the pitch, in favour of Derby as Coalville kicked off.

Joe Pass and Eldon Atherton returned to the Derby side, while Max Argyle started for the first time, as they looked to continue their winning run.

An excellent Luke Willmott run after 10 minutes gave Derby their first chance, with Mikey Robertson and Chris Meddings taking the ball on, but unfortunately, the ball was lost, a pattern which continued throughout the day.

Derby did take the lead 2 minutes later, through a Matt Down penalty.

Despite most of the pressure, it took Derby until the 29th minute to score again. A Derby scrum, near the Coalville line, allowed Mikey Robertson to score his 8th try of the season. Matt Down converted and Derby were 10 clear.

A break by Andy Brown, led to a Derby penalty, 8 minutes before half time. Matt Down added the 3 points, for the final score of the half.

The Derby spectators were concerned at the break, Coalville now had the wind behind them and their home record did not reflect their position in the league.

Derby calmed the nerves with a perfect start to the half. Ed Hutchinson drew the defence and threw a superb long pass to Andy Brown who scored in the corner.

Coalville then lost number 8, Chamberlain, to the sin bin for 10 minutes.

Derby made them pay. A break by Chris Meddings created the space and a lovely off load by Matt Down allowed replacement, Tom Taylor-Dawes to score his first try for the side, in his first appearance of the season.

This meant Derby were 23 – 0 up, with 22 minutes to score the 4th, bonus point, try.

It was Coalville who scored next, with a try in the corner, which was superbly converted.

It looked as if Derby were going to have to settle for the 4 points for a win, as the game edged towards injury time. Chris Meddings had other ideas !

Now playing at scrum half, he picked the ball up 30 metres out and ran through the Coalville defence, to score a fine individual try.

Matt Down converted and the scoring was complete.

Derby remain top and have no game next week. The 2 games after that are at home to Paviors, who are 3rd, and away to Kettering, who are 2nd.

Derby have shown that they are a good side, with an excellent team spirit. The next 2 games will not make or break the season, but they will contain a great deal of information about Derby’s prospects !

Come on Derby !

Photographs from the Midlands 1 East Coalville v Derby fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

22nd Oct'11: Derby 55 - 33 Nuneaton Old Eds

Nuneaton Old Eds have had a poor start to the season but things improved for them last week with a good win over Peterborough. On a beautiful autumn afternoon, it looked like this may have been a flash in the pan as Derby stormed into a 14 – 0 lead in 6 minutes with two tries, the first from Simon Long on the tail of a driven line-out, the second from Andy Brown fielding a poor kick and skipping out and then in past defenders, both converted by Matt Down, how wrong we were! Nuneaton Old Eds soon settled with their vociferous skipper constantly encouraging his combative forwards and feisty backs. Within 2 minutes Derby were penalised for not releasing, the ball was kicked in the corner, line-out won and a simple break resulted in a try for centre Sam Brown, converted by Leigh Jones, 14 - 7.

Derby soon moved further ahead, turning over a Nuneaton Old Eds line out, the ball was moved swiftly to centre Mikey Robertson who broke through, cut back in and fed blind side winger Darren Hersey for a try, conversion missed, score 19 – 7.

Again Nuneaton Old Eds battled back into it, Derby’s forwards were under pressure in the scrum, were penalised and from a tapped penalty second row Matt Green drove over, converted by Leigh Jones, 19 – 14. Matt Down scored a penalty to pull Derby away again but Nuneaton Old Eds then spent a long period close to Derby’s line with strong defence holding them out. Then perhaps the turning point of the game as from a scrum 7 metres from their own line, Luke Willmott broke and burst through the first defender, as he reached 30 metres he fed Mikey Robertson who took it on for a further 20 metres before passing to Chris Meddings who took it into the Nuneaton Old Eds 22 and fed back inside to the galloping Willmott to score under the posts, converted by Matt Down, 29 – 14 with just 3 minutes to half time. Cruelly for Nuneaton Old Eds, minutes later another fine piece of inter-passing between Willmott, Josh Tizard, Mikey Robertson, Tizard again and finally Andy Brown led to another try, again converted by Down to make the half time score 36 – 14.

Derby were out of their blocks quickly again after the break with Willmott stopped just short feeding inside to Simon Long for his second try, again converted by Down, 43 – 14. Nuneaton Old Eds then enjoyed a good period of pressure and scored tries first from scrum half Leigh Jones, dummying and scampering in from the 22, then from prop Stuart Pearman from a driving maul, both converted by Jones to leave the score 43 – 28 and Nuneaton Old Eds thinking a result might just be possible.

With a clash of heads Derby lost Luke Willmott (blood injury so back later) and Sam Goosey to allow coach Paul McCartin to join the fore and try to steady the situation and Max Argyle, now recovered from his shoulder injury. On 68 minutes it was Derby’s turn to drive the maul after a line out and Argyle emerged from the pack to claim the try, 48 – 28. Minutes later Nuneaton Old Eds missed touch, Derby looked to counter but dropped the ball for Nuns to pick up and Carl Hutchins was put away to score, 48 – 33. Almost immediately Derby turned over possession, Tizard moved it swiftly to Ed Hutchinson, to Mikey Robertson who burst through the tackle to score, converted by Matt Down to leave a final score of 55 – 33 and 13 tries for the decent sized crowd of around 180 – 200 people.

No doubt the coaching team will be concerned at the 5 tries conceded and some slack line-out play at times, but Nuneaton Old Eds are no mugs and I would not be surprised to see them mid-table before too long.

Come on Derby!

Photographs from the Midlands 1 East Derby v Nuneaton Old Edwardians fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Colin Cornfield

15th Oct'11: Matlock 27 - 34 Derby

Matlock and Derby produced a magnificent game of rugby, in the sunshine at Cromford Meadows. Derby were forced into a late change at prop, with Rob Beeston replacing Ben Coombes.

It was Derby who scored first, with a Matt Down penalty, after 9 minutes, Chris Young soon replied for Matlock, before Matt Down nudged Derby ahead again. The Matlock forwards then took over. They created and scored a try after 23 minutes, before repeating the dose 13 minutes later. With Chris Young converting the second of these, Matlock went into half time deservedly leading 15 – 6.

Derby had not really got going and an improved second half was required if the unbeaten run was to be maintained. The half could not have started any better. Chris Meddings and Darren Hersey combined to set Mikey Robertson free and he touched down. 5 minutes later, Chris Young had extended Matlock’s lead to 10 points with 2 successful penalties. 2 minutes later, a Matt Down penalty narrowed the gap.

On 50 minutes Derby tied the scores. Andy Brown raced clear, to set up good field position. Derby took the ball on, with replacement Max Argyle prominent, before Josh Tilford showed good strength to force the ball over the line and down. The Matt Down conversion made it 21 – 21.

With 7 minutes left, the score was still tied, with Matt Down and Chris Young both kicking 2 more penalties each. With tension mounting, Chris Young had a chance to put Matlock 3 points ahead, with 3 minutes left, but he pushed his kick wide.

Derby stole a Matlock scrum with 1 minute left and swept up the field. The forwards regrouped out wide and drove over the Matlock line, with Simon Long touching the ball down. Matt Down coolly added the conversion. Matlock probed for an opening with time running out, but Derby were not to be denied. An excellent win, which keeps Derby at the top of the league.

The most impressive aspect of the day was Derby’s spirit and will to win, even when things were going against them in the first half.

Nuneaton OE visit Haslams next week, fresh from a victory over Peterborough.

Come on Derby !

Photographs from the Midlands 1 East Matlock v Derby fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

8th Oct'11: Derby 38 - 24 Bedford Athletic

Derby welcomed Matt Down into the side for the first time this season, while Josh Tizard and Josh Tilford both returned to the side.

A damp day greeted the teams as they ran out – a huge change from the heat wave of the previous weekend !

Bedford Athletic kicked off, but it was Derby who struck first, after 5 minutes. Luke Willmott broke off the back of the scrum and found Josh Tizard. He found Matt Down who allowed Darren Hersey to touch down for the 7th time this season. Matt Down added the conversion.

Joe Pass left the field after 10 minutes, allowing Simon Long to make his comeback from injury.

Derby scored again after 20 minutes, this time Luke Willmott touching down himself.

The rest of the half belonged to Bedford Athletic. Winger Mills scored in the corner and Mortimer converted, after 25 minutes. Bedford were pressing Derby at this stage, but excellent defence kept them out, until prop Rowling decided to drop a goal ! This left the half time score 12 – 10 to Derby and very much game on !

Whatever was said at half time had the desired effect, as Derby played some excellent attacking rugby and wrapped the game up after 20 minutes of the second half.

After 1 minute a kick through bounced awkwardly for the Bedford defence and Josh Tizard provided the downward pressure. 4 minutes later Sam Goosey pinched a Bedford line out. The backs broke and a sublime flick from Mikey Robertson put Chris Meddings in for his 9th try of the season. The forwards then took over as they drove Bedford back, over their own line, with Simon Long putting the ball down. The scoring was completed when a Josh Tizard break allowed Todd Bullions to score. With Matt Down adding 3 conversions, Derby had the game and bonus point secure.

The last 10 minutes belonged to Bedford. Derby lost Sam Hobbs to injury and Chris Meddings to the sin bin. The 13 men were unable to stop Levitt scoring a try. Chris Meddings came back – Darren Hersey departed to the sin bin. Mills scored his second try and with Mortimer converting both tries, the scoring was complete.

Derby still have a 100% record – will that be the case after the trip to Matlock next week ?

Come on Derby

Photographs from the Midlands 1 East Derby v Bedford Athletic fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

1st Oct'11: Market Rasen & Louth 06 - 30 Derby

Derby travelled to Market Rasen on a blistering hot October day, to find a committed home side, a bone dry pitch and a tricky breeze.

Changes were again forced on the men from Haslams, with Chris Brelsford returning to the side and Sam Goosey and Chris Brown making their first starts of the season. In Sam Goosey’s case a 1st XV debut !

Market Rasen started well, running the Derby kick off back, forcing a penalty and kicking it to take the lead, after only 2 minutes.

Derby hit back with a Darren Hersey penalty, before Market Rasen again took the lead, with a second successful penalty, after 9 minutes.

Darren Hersey had another penalty attempt after 13 minutes, which struck the post. Derby followed up well and forced Market Rasen to concede a 5 metre scrum. Derby won the scrum, Phil Robinson drew the last defender and supplied the pass which allowed Darren Hersey to score his 6th try of the season.

Market Rasen then lost 2 players to the sin bin in quick succession and Derby made their numerical advantage count. The ball went one way, then back the other, before Chris Meddings provided the pass which allowed Chris Brelsford to score his first try for the club.

Derby lost Sam Hobbs to the sin bin just before the break, but as the half time whistle blew they led 13 – 6.

Derby needed to keep it tight at the start of the second half to make sure that Market Rasen didn’t make the extra man count.

Derby did better than that, scoring a try, with the half only 4 minutes old. Market Rasen were penalised. Chris Meddings kicked into the corner and the forwards took the line out and drove over the line. Pete Wilcox emerged with the ball. 9 minutes later Derby secured the 4 try bonus point. A Market Rasen move broke down and Derby swept forward. Darren Hersey kicked the ball forward and Chris Meddings won the race to the line to touch down. Darren Hersey added the extras.

Derby added one more try, with 14 minutes left. Ed Hutchinson broke through the Market Rasen backs and Chris Meddings scored in the corner, for his second try of the day and 8th of the season. There was still time for Market Rasen to lose a 3rd player to the sin bin, but Derby closed the game out efficiently, despite not being able to add to their points tally.

This was not the most fluent Derby performance of the season, but the bonus point win keeps Derby top of the league. The added bonus is that this game was also the NLD Cup quarter final; Derby already have a semi final to look forward to !

Bedford Athletic visit Haslams next week; another difficult encounter awaits !

Come on Derby !

Photographs from the Midlands 1 East Market Rasen & Louth v Derby fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

24th Sep'11: Derby 51 - 12 Leighton Buzzard

Match Report by Richard Bambra

17th Sep'11: Ilkeston 15 - 29 Derby

A fantastic win for Derby, with forwards and backs working hard together and with no little skill ! The game was won in the first half, with Derby dominating possession and territory while playing up the hill.

Leighton Buzzard visit Haslams next Saturday.

Come on Derby.

Photographs from the Ilkeston v Derby fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

10th Sep'11: Derby 64 - 00 Loughborough

Derby played a promoted side, at home, for the second week in a row and for a second week in a row, won comfortably.

Derby selected the same starting XV against a Loughborough side who had been beaten at home on the first day of the season.

Loughborough kicked off, on a dry day, with a stiff breeze in their favour. It took only 4 minutes for the Derby backs to cut through the Loughborough defence and allow Andy Brown to race clear and score. 9 minutes later, good work from Chris Meddings and Mikey Robertson set Luke Willmott clear; his pass allowed Phil Robinson to touch down.

Loughborough lost their hooker to the sin bin and the Derby pack took full advantage, by driving a lineout forward, before Josh Tilford scored.

In the 27th minute good hands allowed Andy Brown to score again and 2 minutes later Mikey Robertson and Chris Meddings combined again to create a try for Phil Robinson. Luke Willmott galloped clear to score the final try of the half. Darren Hersey added 4 conversions, to leave the half time score 38 – 0. Derby had proved to have too much pace and power for Loughborough and their running and support play had had been a pleasure to watch.

Derby had the wind at their backs for the second half, but Loughborough showed huge grit and determination to limit Derby to 4 tries. Loughborough also had long spells camped in the Derby 22, but the Derby defence proved equal to everything Loughborough threw at them.

Derby scored 6 minutes into the half, with Chris Meddings crossing and Darren Hersey converting. The forwards then drove over the line, with replacement, Chris Brown supplying the touchdown.

The final 2 tries both came from Mikey Robertson as he ran clear of the Loughborough defenders. Chris Meddings supplied the final 2 conversions to complete the scoring.

A comfortable win, and a slightly unsatisfactory second half should not distract from all that was good in the first half.

Derby travel to unbeaten Ilkeston next week; this game will provide a lot of information about how the season will shape !

Come on Derby !

Photographs from the Derby v Loughborough fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra

3rd Sep'11: Derby 69 - 21 Towcestrians

Derby opened the new rugby season with a rousing performance against newly promoted Towcestrians. Towcestrians went through the whole of last season unbeaten in the league, but had no answer to the pace and power of Derby. Derby gave debuts to 6 players during the game and ran in 11 tries to entertain the Haslams crowd.

Derby took the lead after 8 minutes, when a Richard Sparkes line out catch allowed the forwards to drive on. When the ball was released to the backs, Chris Meddings blasted over the line.

Chris Meddings scored again 2 minutes later, after good work from Luke Willmott.

Towcestrians narrowed the gap after 20 minutes, when Stocks scored a try.

Derby soon extended the lead though, with Ben Marlow cutting back inside to score, before Phil Robinson stretched over the line, for the 4th try, 5 minutes before half time.

Towcestrians scored their second try just before the break, when Tustain forced his way over.

With Darren Hersey converting 2 of the Derby tries and Yuill converting twice for Towcestrians, the half time break saw Derby ahead 24 – 14.

The second half again saw Derby start well. A break by Mikey Robertson allowed Todd Bullions to touch down for his first try for the club.

Towcestrians continued to work hard and again closed the gap when Smith touched down and Yuill added the conversion. This proved to be as close as they got however as Derby ran riot in the last half hour, scoring 6 more tries. Darren Hersey was the first to cross, after good work from Andy Brown, before Brown touched down himself. Chris Meddings crossed the line twice more before Darren Hersey touched down for the second time. The final try came from Chris Meddings again, scoring his 5th of the game.

Darren Hersey added 5 conversions in the second half, to give him a total contribution of 24 points.

The final whistle saw Derby deserved winners, despite a valiant effort from Towcestrians.

Although it was the backs who scored 10 of the tries, the hard work of the forwards provided the platform and this was reflected in the award of Man of the Match to Number 8 Luke Willmott. Chris Meddings may feel slightly aggrieved – not many players score 5 tries and are not Man of the Match !

Loughborough are the next visitors to Haslams, next week, kick off 3pm. Come on Derby !

Photographs from the Derby v Towcestrians fixture can be found in the Photograph Galleries.

Match Report by Richard Bambra