Derby RFC

The pre-match warming up in the incessant rain was a necessity but both sides suffered it.  The gusting wind made it even more difficult.  The relatively low scores reelected the good defences of both sides and the rain accounted for the handling errors and scrums. 
 
It was yet another tense and hard won game against what many thought would be difficult to win.  Once again, Derby faced a determined side with a good defence and a determination to fight to the end.  Derby matched them in both and competed well in the scrums and lineouts.  Sam Pittman and James Godfrey won their own ball and Pittman again stole one from Whitchurch.  This level of hard teamwork laid the foundations for the young looking Derby side. 

The victory shows four wins at home, where a Derby side has introduced  several young ex Colts.  They learned from the experience and are developing in to reliable contributors.  Jack Walker, for his debut, and “Man of the Match” Henry Gaunt, joined Lewis Wales in the front row. At scrum half, Charlie Butler  made his impressive debut.  He had the confidence to go it alone to keep the opposition guessing.  He looks a good prospect for Derby.

With wind support, Derby made a good start and Lewis Hancock kicked an early penalty.  Fourteen minutes later quick passing set winger, Hares, free for a try in the corner, which Elliott converted.  Having replaced an injured Jack Walker, Ryan Cokayne took his chance from a lineout to race and force his way over for a much needed try for Derby.  Lewis Hancock added the conversion to restore Derby’s lead.  Jake Roome was given a yellow card but the Derby pack maintained their pressure.  On the run up to half time, Hancock kicked another penalty to give Derby a six point lead at the interval.

Eleven minutes after the restart No.6, Linnington was sent to the Bin.  Big Jake Reese scored from a forward drive  for a Whitchurch try.  A Derby lineout quickly followed and kept possession before “Warrior” Lewis Wales kept low as he forced his way over for a unconverted try.   He was then replaced by Jack Walker but returned seven minutes later.  You can’t keep a good man down.  Whitchurch then mounted pressure and winger, Tom Edwards, was sent over in the corner, just too far out for a conversion but significantly gave them a lead by one point.  A silly comment to the referee, Dan Cole, was punished by a penalty to Derby.  With just a couple of minutes to go, “Mr. Cool”, Lewis Hancock, placed the ball and wished the wind would drop.  It did, as he strode up and kicked  a ball that sailed well over the bar.  It was greatly applauded and the final whistle followed shortly as the ball went out to touch.

It was very hard work led by Sam Tebbs, supported by his fellow forwards to record an unexpected victory.  Next Saturday it is away to Walsall, one of the favorites for promotion.  Come along and support your team.

Gerry Sherry