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21st Mar'10: NLD 7s Tournament
Derby U13s won their age group NLD 7s
Trophy playing exciting free flowing rugby supported by committed defensive
play. The team emerged undefeated, attracting positive comments from the
coaches of other teams.
The day started with a tough match against our respected rivals Nottingham.
After the first exchanges of points Derby’s pace told and emerged as
victors. This was followed by wins against Fenland Barbarians, Sleaford,
Mansfield and our hosts West Bridgford.
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Next up was a semi final against
Lincoln with Derby putting in their most erratic display, the lads
looked nervous, missing tackles and several passes went astray,
parents were also getting tense. At half time the Matts refocused
the players and in a blur the second half was over with Derby
winning again.
The final as we had anticipated at the start of the day, was against
Nottingham. This time Derby were far more clinical putting on a
great display of pace and support play. Nottingham graciously
accepted that on the day they had been beaten by the better team.
The trophy was collected by
Derby’s Man of the Tournament, Tom Mycroft. |
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A great day out, thank you to WB for
organising the sunshine and a smoothly run tournament.
‘When can we play 7s again?’
Squad: Jack Bates, Angus Low, Joe Martin, Richard Bowen, Jake Pilgrim, Tom
Mycroft, Toby Williams, Eric Robinson, William O’Brien, Billy Stark, Munraj
Atwal, Charlie O’Mara.
Tournament Report by Simon Robinson
14th March'10: Veseyans 00 - 50 Derby
U13s A
The Derby 13’s ventured down the A38 for their
next encounter with a team who had previously beaten our B’s. Veseyans this
time had specifically requested our “A team”, and our “A team” they got !
Although 3 key players were missing through injury, Jake with a sprained
wrist, Joe M with his legendary ankle injury from sledging, and Joe C with a
dislocated shoulder – would Derby still have the personnel to give Veseyans
a run for their money ? Loz was also missing so a shuffle round in the pack
was required before kick off. As usual the boys looked pedestrian and
disinterested during the warm up, but when the whistle went for kick off it
was a different story.
To say it was “one way traffic” is an understatement – running tries in from
all over the field, from all positions. Poor Veseyans didn’t know what had
hit them ... extremely long range tries from the backs, and agile forwards
punching holes through midfield – it was a spectacle to behold, entertaining
for all, except perhaps the home side. The highlight perhaps, Munraj Atwal
breaking through the entire pack like a Giraffe on speed, scoring two tries
that any winger would be proud of – and for that he gets our sponsors First
4 Care “Man of the Match”.
Thanks to Veseyans, who evidently have great aspirations in their first
season of Junior rugby, and apparently great hot dogs from (S)hells Kitchen
!
Perhaps this could be a fixture for our improving B team next season.
Derby Squad: J. Bates, D. Cox, A. Low, W. O’Brien, M. Atwal, C. O’Mara
(Captain), T. Millington, E. Draycott, B. Stark, R. Bowen, T. Mycroft, S.
Pittman, D. Cox, B. Hext, E. Robinson, B. Archer, W. Heywood.
Match Report by Paul Draycott
7th March '10: Leicester Vipers 00 - 50
Derby U13s A
Vipers has previously beaten the Derby B team
twice earlier in the season, so naturally they fancied a crack at our A’s.
It was one of those one sided affairs which neither team probably benefitted
from. Derby were rampant and basically ran tries in at will. It did give
Derby chance to put players in different positions, and to be fair to the
lads, they kept their shape, played some decent rugby and more importantly
were gracious in victory.
Vipers never dropped their heads and tackled well. Thank you to the Vipers
players and coaches for their spirited performance.
Derby Squad: J. Bates, A. Donald, L. Traynor, L. Raynor, A. Low, W. O’Brien,
M. Atwal, C. O’Mara (Captain), T. Millington, E. Draycott, B. Stark, R.
Bowen, T. Mycroft, J. Pilgrim, S. Pittman, D. Cox, B. Hext, E. Robinson, B.
Archer, W. Heywood, J. Martin
Match Report by Paul Draycott
7th March'10: Ilkeston 39 - 10 Derby U13s B
Derby U13s B visited Ilkeston today for a friendly
match that had moments of promise though ultimately ended in defeat. Much of
the game was played in the Derby half. Ilkeston scored first though with the
ball moved out through the backs, Matt was able to level the scores.
Ilkeston responded with another try and again with the ball out through the
backs Toby scored, to make half time 10-10.
In the second half Ilkeston greater fitness and rugby knowledge allowed them
a number of scores resulting in a 39 - 10 defeat for Derby. Good tackling,
particularly in the first half limited the size of the defeat though there
is much for the coaches to work on. Ilkeston should be commended on their
new changing facilities only six months old that are a credit to the club
and immeasurably better than previous arrangements.
Squad: Callum C-S, Ed C, Jordan D, Josh H, Connor K, Dan L, Ellis P, John P,
Hamish R, Gareth S, Matt T, Josh T, Toby W, Tom W, Lucas W, Harry H, Josh C.
Match Report A Williams
28th Feb'10: Derby U13s A 26 - 8
Nottingham – (NLD Cup Semi-Final at Sleaford)
Having already played Nottingham twice this season
and losing on both occasions, Derby knew that this would be a tough one.
Derby gave away a first minute penalty which Nottingham took a quick tap and
made ground, before securing good ruck ball – this set the scene for pretty
much the rest of the game. However Derby knew that if they could get any
ball to their backs then they were in with a shout ... and this happened
after just 4 minutes, a loose ball which was quickly popped to Jake Pilgrim
and he ran in from 60 yards to score under the posts, easily converted by
Draycott.
Nottingham continued to dominate at the breakdown, and it became apparent
that Nottingham were going to play to their strengths which was picking up
and driving from the breakdown. Nottingham’s number 8 was a real handful and
sometimes took two or three men to bring him down. The Nottingham 10 also
distributed well but they rarely broke the gain line. If someone was keeping
count, they would have noted the Derby tackle count to be twice that of
Nottingham, with such ferociousness that several Nottingham players required
attention during the course of the game.
Nottingham came back with a quick tap penalty from 10 yards out which
resulted in the No 10 crashing over, unconverted. They then came back strong
from the resultant kick off and earned a penalty which their No 10 kicked,
on the second attempt !
Turning round at half time 8 – 7 down, it was all to play for.
Derby were pinned deep in their own 22, but a knock from Nottingham should
have relieved the pressure. However after signalling for advantage to Derby,
Derby lost ground and the referee didn’t award the a scrum to Derby.
Nottingham turned the ball over and came very close to a try. However from
the next scrum, a break from their own 22 saw Pilgrim again break from deep
and go in for another long range try, a dive over the line under the posts
which Draycott converted and Derby were 14 – 8 up. Just deserts for a bad
decision by the ref ?
Two key Nottingham men left the field through injury and slowly but surely
Derby were turning the screw. Slowing the game down, and rather than playing
the frantic “tap and run” from anywhere that has been the style throughout
the season. Eric Draycott at 10 kicked some great tactical ball deep into
the Nottingham half to relieve the pressure and play rugby where Derby
wanted to – in the Nottingham 22 !
Two replacements for Derby, bringing the fresh legs of Eric Robinson and Dan
Cox on.
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From here it was only a matter of
time before the pressure produced points and Tom Mycroft divided the
defence and scored a great individual try. And in the dying seconds,
Richard Bowen broke 3 tackles, side stepped two players and went
over for a final converted try.
The final whistle went, and relief
all round, a gutsy performance by Derby and a close fought contest
which the score doesn’t really reflect. “Print Rite Man of the
Match” goes to Eric Draycott.
Some would say this should have been the final ... however that is
against Stamford, who beat Glossop by just 3 points in the other
semi final.
Come on Derby !
Derby Team: J. Bates, A. Donald, L. Traynor, J. Cox, L. Raynor, A.
Low, W. O’Brien, M. Atwal, C. O’Mara (Captain), E. Draycott, B.
Stark, R. Bowen, T. Mycroft, T. Williams, J. Pilgrim
Replacements (used): S. Pittman, D. Cox, T. Millington, E. Robinson
Tries: T. Mycroft, J. Pilgrim (2), R. Bowen
Conversions: E. Draycott (3) |
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| Derby U13s A
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7th Feb'10: Derby U13s A 46 - 12 Glossop
The biggest game of the season so far, the mighty
Glossop – who like Derby, field five Derbyshire Schools of Rugby players.
Derby haven’t played a game for two months but are they up for this one ?
you bet they are !
Within the first minute a penalty to Derby, Eric Draycott takes a quick tap,
heads down the touchline and beats three men for the pace, unconverted but 5
– 0 up before Glossop know what has hit them. The game progresses in much
the same vain, forwards compete well in the rucks which produces excellent
ball for the backs to run in tries at will. Glossop simply don’t have an
answer for the skill and pace of the derby back line.
The back row are awesome, one notable event being Will O’Brien stripping
Glossop’s big centre of the ball then popping to Billy Stark to score his
2nd of three tries, “candy from a baby” ?
Excellent incisive running from O’Mara and Bowen take play deep into the
Glossop half, and both of them are rewarded with tries. Another brilliant
individual try from Draycott as he dummy switches with O’Mara, goes straight
between the centres and side steps the full back to score under the posts,
which is easily converted.
Turning round at half time 26 – 0 up, it looks like we are heading for an
easy 50 – 0. However ... a couple of silly mistakes and sloppy tackling and
Glossop score two soft tries. Coach Bates has a few “constructive comments”
for the lads behind the posts during the 2nd of Glossop’s conversions and
Derby are back on track.
On comes Pilgrim for Williams and with the
first touch of the ball tears past half a dozen Glossop players to touch
down in the corner. Two minutes later ... for some strange reason, the
Glossop 10 decides to switch kick-off to the opposite side ... straight into
the hands of Pilgrim. The result is never in doubt, he covers three quarters
of the length of the pitch in the blink of an eye, and scores again to the
chants of “run Forest run” !
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The final try and definitely the
best “team try” of the day – Munraj Atwal collects from the Glossop
kick-off, pops to Loz who punches a big hole midfield, quick ruck
ball and the ball is spun down the line, through 6 pairs of hands
and finally Mycroft goes over for the try, the final whistle and
Derby head through to the semi-finals of the NLD Cup.
A superb performance by all the squad, and the “Tutbury Dental
Practice Man of the Match” goes to Will O’Brien.
Derby Team: J. Bates, A. Donald, L. Traynor, J. Cox, L. Raynor, A.
Low, W. O’Brien, S. Pittman, J. Martin, E. Draycott, B. Stark, R.
Bowen, T. Mycroft, T. Williams, C. O’Mara (Captain)
Replacements (used): D. Cox, J. Pilgrim, M. Gill, M. Atwal
Tries: T. Mycroft, C. O’Mara, B. Stark (3), J. Pilgrim (2), E.
Draycott (2), R. Bowen
Conversions: E. Draycott (3)
Photographs
of the game can be viewed within the
Photograph
Galleries
Match Report by Paul Draycott
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| Derby U13s A
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13th Dec'09: Market Rasen U13s 20 - 41
Derby U13s
The Derby supporters who made the long trip to a
sunny Market Rasen were rewarded by witnessing the team’s best performance
of the Season.
Despite the long journey, Derby started superbly by receiving the Kick Off
and developing a move that lead to Jake Pilgrim running in a try from his
own 22 to mark his debut for Derby RFC.
Market Rasen fought back immediately with a try of their own and, with both
conversions missed, the scores were level at 5 points each.
Derby continued to mount attacks from a strong forward base and saw Matt
Taylor power over with a break from outside centre.
Again Market Rasen responded with a try to make the scores 10 apiece in what
was becoming an exciting and evenly fought contest.
With both teams highly committed, Jake scored a second try from another
surging run. 10 points to 15 at half time.
In the second half the high standard of play was maintained, the Derby
forwards were delivering quick ball to the backs from a solid scrum and
ferocious rucking. Jake secured his “Hat Trick” with another powerful run
through the opposition defence. Gareth Sandbrook converted.
Market Rasen responded with an interception try against the run of play, but
Derby continued their impressive display with a fourth try for Jake which
Gareth converted to make the score 15 points to 27.
Again Market Rasen refused to concede the game and came back with a try, but
Derby finished the match strongly with Jake capping a “Man of the Match”
performance on his debut with a fifth try, converted by Gareth.
Derby continued to develop waves of attack and the tremendous work of the
forwards was rewarded when pack leader Eric Robinson burst over the line to
finish off a great team try.
An excellent display by all seventeen lads who played.
Match Report by
Dai Sandbrook
29th Nov'09: Spalding U13s 'A' 12 - 27
Derby U13’s ‘A’
Joe Cox returned this week from school rowing
duties and Derby started with what could be considered their strongest 15.
Despite the rain hammering down for the majority of the lengthy journey to
Spalding, prior to kick off the clouds parted and the sun shone down on the
extremely wet and muddy pitch.
Derby started well, the Spalding kick off was collected with ease and after
a short upfield trundle, the ball was rucked and passed down the Derby
backs. A thirty yard run for winger Williams resulted in a first minute try
in the corner for Derby.
This set the scene for the majority of the first half where Derby arguably
played their best rugby of the season so far. Despite the wet conditions and
slippery ball, the Derby forwards won all their own scrummage ball and stole
a couple of the oppositions. In the lineouts Derby competed well and
although the rucks were a “free for all”, Derby came away with their fair
share of ball. This of course provided ample ball for the backs to use,
quick distribution by Eric meant there was plenty of space out wide, and had
it not been for excellent tackling by the Spalding back three it could have
been a first half whitewash. Tactically the backs were outstanding in the
first half, they all passed when needed rather than getting “try line fever”
and created several overlap opportunities which resulted in further first
half tries from Billy, Charlie and Will. Richard Bowen made some excellent
ground midfield, one run resulted in Toby’s second try of the half.
Turning round at half time 27 – 0 up, the half time team talk was all about
playing simple rugby, simple phases and keeping a clean sheet.
However Spalding had different ideas. They started strongly and disrupted
the Derby pack, simple errors by Derby put them under unnecessary pressure
and it was a case of “Deja Vu”, an exact replica of the 2nd half the
previous week at Nottingham. Derby played with no shape, kicked away good
ball unnecessarily and started losing scrum ball against the head. There was
no shape to the game, it became scrappy with simple handling errors. Time
and time again the ball was on the ground and the Derby lads were just
looking at it, or trying to fly hack it rather than dropping on the ball and
keeping possession.
Spalding’s heads were up and poor tackling from Derby allowed them to score
two well earned second half tries.
There was nothing positive Derby could come away with during the second
half, and yet again it was a game of two halves. The boys have to learn to
play consistent rugby for the whole 50 minutes. This time, their excellent
first half performance was enough to seal the game.
Next week training for the ‘A’ team, in preparation for the following week
which is the second NLD Cup game at Bakewell away. The ‘B’s have Ashby at
home, and they also have an NLD game on the 13th, Market Rasen Away.
Derby Team – Bates, Donald, Traynor, J. Cox, Hext, Low, Gill, O’Brien,
Martin, Draycott, Stark, Bowen, Mycroft, Williams, O’Mara (Captain)
Replacements (used) – Raynor, Millington, Pittman
Tries – Stark, Williams (2), O’Brien, O’Mara
Conversion – Draycott
Match Report by Paul Draycott
22nd Nov'09: Nottingham 17 - 10 Derby
U13s A
Derby this week faced a strong Nottingham side,
with both teams nearly at full strength, Derby were looking for an
improvement since their earlier meeting in the season when Nottingham out-rucked
Derby and came out as victors.
A promising start saw Derby taking the game to Nottingham, with strong runs
from the Derby backs. The forwards were rucking well and providing good
quality ball for the backs to work with. Possession was 50/50 but Derby were
camped out in the home side's half, the only respite for Nottingham was from
individual runs from their speedy winger and powerful No. 8 who at one point
had three Derby players hanging onto him but still made 20 metres.
Two clever kicks into the corner using the substantial wind pinned
Nottingham well into their own 22.
Eventually the pressure from the Derby produced a try from Billy Stark in
the corner which was unconverted. Within 5 minutes Derby scored another
through Toby Williams but again the tricky conversion into the wind was
missed leaving the half time score at 10 - 0 to Derby.
Turning round, Derby were under pressure immediately, injuries from Eric D
and Angus meant replacements were sent into battle. The fluidity and ball
retention from the first half was completely lost and Derby were throwing
passes with wild abandon, Nottingham capitalising on loose ball and running
in two tries within 10 minutes which were both converted.
Four points down with 5 minutes to go and Derby were beginning to panic,
giving a penalty away on the visitors 10m line. The confident Nottingham
kicker opted for the posts and kicked a tricky 3 points to put the game
beyond Derby.
Derby have to learn to compete against these big physical sides, who were a
little more "streetwise" and did a good job of winding some of the Derby
players up. We have to learn to play our own game and not blame the referee
!
Next week Spalding away - come on Derby !
Derby Team: Bates, Donald, Hext, Raynor, Robinson, Low, Gill, O’Brien,
Martin, Draycott, Stark, Bowen, Mycroft, Williams, O’Mara (Captain)
Replacements (used): D. Cox, Millington, Pittman
Tries: Stark, Williams
Match Report by Paul Draycott
15th Nov'09: West Bridgford 05 - 31 Derby
U13s A
Derby commenced their NLD Campaign with an away
fixture against West Bridgford. Derby won the ball after the kick off though
players became isolated. Bridgford regained possession and promptly gave
away a penalty from a player being off side after a kick down field. Joe Cox
took play close to the Bridgford line and the first points arrived from a
Charlie try. Eric D. missed the difficult conversion. The forwards continued
to win ball by challenging well at lineouts and some excellent scrummaging.
With the ball spun out through the backs Toby was able to touch down for the
second try though Eric D was unable to convert the points from near the
touchline.
In the second half Bridgford were in the Derby half for longer periods
though were not able score points until late on in the match. At times the
Derby defence frightened their coaches and spectators when the ball was
thrown around like a hot potato. The message is retain the ball, go to
ground and recycle – look after the ball please Derby ! Toby and Tom
combined well to put Tom under the posts for his second try that Eric was
able to convert, if only by a few inches. After the restart Derby threw the
ball around with little focus to their efforts though Richard was able to
make good ground. Again with the ball out through the backs Tom created his
third try with a deft chip kick that bounced kindly for him and he was able
to run in behind the posts for Eric D to convert. Derby gave away a
succession of penalties and Bridgford were able to capitalise with a
solitary try in the corner that was not converted.
Thanks to all for a competitive game and sporting support during and after
the match.
Squad: J. Bates, R. Bowen, J. Cox, A. Donald, E. Draycott, M. Gill, A. Low,
J. Martin, T. Mycroft, W O'Brien., C. O’Mara, S. Pittman, L. Raynor, T.
Williams, D. Cox, B. Hext, T. Millington, E. Robinson.
Tries: T. Mycroft (3), C. O’Mara, T. Williams
Conversions: E. Draycott (3)
Match Report by Alan Williams / Paul Draycott
8th Nov'09: Match Reports of Derby U13s A
v Coalville and Belper v Derby U13s B
Derby U13s A 65 - 00 Coalville
A year is a long time in rugby, especially
junior rugby. Coalville came to Haslams knowing that the last time the teams
met they were victors ... but a year down the line this was a very different
Derby side.
Derby kicked off deep into the Coalville half, Toby Williams made great
ground to take down the receiver and the Derby pack turned the ball over.
Quick ball out to the backs and after slick handling, Billy Stark had a
relatively easy finish in the corner. A great start and it soon became
evident that Derby would dominate in all aspects of the game. Derby were
winning much of the line-out, even on the Coalville throw-in, mainly thanks
to Joe Cox and Lewis Raynor, and every time the backs received the ball they
were punching big holes in the Coalville defence, Will O’Brien was
outstanding on his return to inside centre. Derby also dominated the scrums
to such a degree that the referee ordered non contested scrums, although
Andrew Donald still managed take ball against the head.
Derby turned round 38 – 0 up at half time, first half highlights being a Tom
Mycroft “chip and chase” which saw him cruise past the opposition backs to
touch down. And Loz Traynor evading the entire Coalville pack, side stepping
the centres and only having the full back to beat. He opted for the “Maori
sidestep” and hit the full back head-on, he wasn’t technically tackled, but
the full back got caught up in Loz’s feet and both players ended up on the
floor.
The second half was much of the same, Coalville rarely threatened and Derby
ran in another four tries – interesting perhaps that all the tries came from
the backs. An encouraging display, but next week will be a far tougher
challenge when the A’s travel to West Bridgford for the first NLD cup game,
11am kick off – come on Derby !
Derby Team – Bates, Donald, Traynor, J. Cox, Raynor, Robinson, Low, Gill,
O’Brien, Martin, Draycott, Stark, Mycroft, Williams, O’Mara (Captain)
Replacements (used) –D. Cox, Hext, Pittman
Tries – Stark (2), Draycott (2), O’Brien (3), Williams (2), Mycroft, O’Mara
Conversions - Draycott (5)
Photographs
of the game can be viewed within the
Photograph
Galleries
Match Report by Paul Draycott
Belper 00 - 29 Derby U13s B
The day was a little chilly with clouds
threatening rain, with the warm up complete and two minutes silence to mark
remembrance Sunday over the seen was set, some last minute preparation
including some coaching for the Derby parents and supporters and the teams
were lined up ready to start.
Derby were confident from the start, some strong attacking play saw them put
Belper under pressure chasing the ball down deep in the Belper half. Belper
defended well and some good tactical play looked as if they may get the
upper hand, but they were unable to make their mark as Derby tackled
strongly and won the ball from many of the rucks. 18 minutes in and
following a scrum Derby made a break they forced their way across the line
and Dan L touched down for the first try of the match. The try was out wide
to the right Felix lined up for the conversion, his kick was on target but a
little short this time.
Belper continued and made several good attacks but Derby continued to tackle
well and late on in the first half saw a second try disallowed due to a
forward pass in the build up. Belper rallied and drove close to Derby’s line
in the last minute, Derby’s defence held strong and the first half finished
with Derby in the lead.
Derby made a good start to the second half, again chasing the ball deep into
Belpers end, some good strong runs pushed Belper back and within four
minutes Matt T scored the second try, again a little to wide for the
conversion. Belper started to win more of the ball, but consistently good
tackling on Derby’s part prevented them scoring, 18 minutes into the second
half and a deep run from Ben A (First try after only 2 matched for Derby)
saw another try just right of the goal. This time Felix converted the goal.
More play in and around the centre of the pitch saw another chance for Matt
T and a long run resulted in Derbys 4th Try which again was converted easily
by Felix.
The closing seconds of the game saw Derby pressure Belper close to their
line and Derby managed their last try of the game with Matt Taylor forcing
his way over the line.
Overall a very good team performance with many good runs being created by
many of the players, this was Derby B best team play this season. Well done
to the team, keep up the good work you showed today and were sure you will
see many more successes in the future.
Team: Rowan, John, Ed, Tom, Josh, Nathan, Callum, Jordan, Matt T, Felix, Dan
L, Ben A, Josh H, Williams H, Tom Mi.
Coaches: Darren, John, Andy & Alan.
Match Report Nick Taylor
25th Oct'09:
Burton v Derby U13s A and Derby U13s B v
Veseyans Match Reports
Burton U13s v Derby U13s A
Derby's visit to Burton today was a chance
for the team to achieve their first win of the season. They did so in
emphatic style though credit to the Burton players who did not let their
heads drop despite being under great pressure, particularly in the first
half. Derby repeatedly demonstrated they were able to receive the ball from
kick off allowing the forwards to progress into the opposition half and set
up the backs to score.
Burton did play into an extremely strong wind in the first half, with the
second half only producing four tries for Derby. Due to injury Burton went
to 14 players and Loz kindly played for them, making for a more even game.
When Derby kept the game simple (rucking and passing) they invariably made
progress and often scored. There may have been some "try line fever" with
every player wishing to score though playing as a team demonstrated what can
be achieved. Though there were fewer opportunities to practice tackling,
Billy did make at least two crunching, though quite legal tackles that would
surely make YouTube had they been filmed! Will and Joe Martin charged down
kicks towards the end though it is debateable how much either knew about
them (right place, right time!).
Tries Billy (2), Toby (3), Loz (2), Charlie, Tom, Richard, Taylor plus one
other though not sure who scored it!
Conversions Joe M, Charlie
Match Report by Alan Williams
Derby U13s B 19 - 36 Veseyans
Derby faced new opposition in the form of Veseyans
who have just set up an M&J section.
This was a spirited match and the forwards had a tough battle against a
large Veseyans pack. Derby took the first half with two individual tries
from Matt Taylor which were both converted, Veseyans replied with two
unconverted tries.
Ben Hext made an impact in the second half with a tackle breaking charge
over the line to score an unconverted try. Veseyans responded again with an
unconverted try.
Eric Robinson lead the pack by example and was supported by strong displays
from Ben, Callum and Connor. Ben Archer playing at full back had a great
game on his debut, highlighted by a try saving tackle when he chased down a
rampant Veseyans player.
Jordan and Hamish played well as a half back partnership passing and
tackling well.
Derby lost the game in the last 10 minutes when Vs scored 3 converted tries.
Players must look at their fitness and concentration levels to ensure that
their efforts are reflected in the result.
Best wishes to Veseyans in their new venture.
Derby Team – Allsop, Kelly, Connett, Potter, Hext, Lucas, Harries-Wood,
Carmichael-Smith, Robinson, Dobbins, Rigg, Taylor, Hickens, Abbot, Hayword,
Archer
Tries – Matt Taylor(2), Ben Hext
Conversions Josh Hickens, Hamish Rigg
Match Report & Photographs by Simon
Robinson
11th Oct'09: Derby U13s 'A' 22 - 26
Market Harborough U13s 'A'
During the pre-game warm up it was clear to see that most of
the Derby team’s minds were elsewhere, perhaps a few too many late nights
watching X Factor. 20 minutes into the game most were wishing they were
still in bed, since the strong Market Harborough side came out of the blocks
at 100 miles an hour. Stifling the home side of any ball, they played simple
rugby, retained the ball well and created chances for their outstanding
winger who almost seemed to run in tries at will. As the visitors ran in
their fourth unanswered try, a crunching tackle from Billy Stark on Market
Harborough’s winger saw him leave the field with a serious looking ankle
injury – we wish him a speedy recovery.
This seemed to be the turning point in the game. Starting the second half 26
points down, Derby suddenly started firing on all cylinders. Market
Harborough, perhaps lacking one of their key players didn’t have a “plan B”.
Derby started showing commitment in the rucks and secured good quality ball
for the backs to work with. Tries came from Stark, Joe Cox and Prop Loz
Traynor who popped up on the wing to score in the corner. Good conversion
efforts from Draycott from the touchline went very close, one skimming the
upright and another hitting the crossbar from long range.
A classic “game of two halves” which gave many positives from the second
period, Derby need to play with 100% commitment and belief from the first to
the last minute to compete against these strong sides.
Derby Team – Bates, Donald, D. Cox, Traynor, Hext, Low, Pittman, O’Brien,
Martin, Draycott, Millington, Stark, Taylor, Williams, O’Mara (Captain)
Replacements (used) – Carmichael-Smith, Gill, Lewis, Robinson.
Tries – Stark (2), Martin, Traynor.
Match Report by Paul
Draycott |
