Derby RFC

A late call off due to family matters by Jim Wigglesworth did not help Derby's cause.  However, a slow start by Derby allowed Stoke to race to a twenty one point score without a reply in the first twenty one minutes.

With only three minutes elapsed, Stoke’s No.10, Jamie Losh, scored with a darting and dummying effort to score near the posts.  No.8, Poole dived over from a forward drive and  lock, Grimshaw, from good support play crossed for try number three.  Fullback, Ollie Charleswood converted all of them to give Derby a mountain to climb.

Derby’s backs were frustrated by the rush defence of the Stoke backs.  They were penalised for off-side several times but it did not deter them from continuing with the tactic.  In effect they exhibited more street wise awareness.  From a forward drive, Keifer Laxton forced his way over and Lewis Hancock converted to get Derby on the scoreboard after twenty four minutes.  However, this was quickly followed by a cross kick collected by winger, Emery, to score in the corner.  From a short pass, Murdoch touched down for a try to narrow the gap.  Stoke responded with three consecutive forward drives before wing forward, Emery, got the touch down for Charleswood to convert, making the half time score Stoke 33 Derby 12.

After the interval the Derby pack remarkedly won a scrum against the head, a rarity these days, at any level, and Jake Roome finished off a good effort with a try which Lewis Hancock did well to convert.  Hopes of a fight back were quickly dashed when wing forward, Hodson, found a gap for a try, converted by Poole.  From a lineout, Captain Sam Tebbs took the ball, broke through a strong tackle before weaving his way with some force for a try converted by Hancock.  Derby worked hard but wing forward, Williams, dashed Derby hopes with a try.  Archie Murdoch scored his second try, converted by Lewis Hancock to end the game.

It is at home to Matlock next week, so please do come and lend your support.

Gerry Sherry   (gerrysherry@gmail.com)