Derby RFC

Without forwards, Lewis Wales, Henry Gaunt and Rob Wallis as well as stand-off, Jim Wigglesworth, Derby faced a very strong Walsall side, who were fast in attack and hard tackling in defence.  Walsall ran in seven tries, all of them converted by centre, Adrian Nunney.

This was a mauling starting seven minutes in, when very fast right winger, Brown, just sprinted past defenders without a hand laid on him to score in the corner.  Derby responded minutes later with a try by Sam Pittman from a forward drive.  Hancock added the extra two points to level the scores.  However, Brown got his second  try from a short pass just two minutes later.  Derby were now enjoying a good supply of ball and Hancock landed a penalty but Walsall’s tall lock forward, crossed from a quick tap-and-go penalty.  He notched up another try and, with all tries converted, Walsall led Derby at the interval by 28 points to 10.

Mick Johns and Dan Griffin were introduced for the restart but with some great inter passing, Walsall quickly added two more converted tries to extend their lead by 32 points. A feature of the second half was a series of Derby  driving mauls and more stable scrums.  Jeri Oldfield showed considerable strength forcing his way over for a try converted by Lewis Hancock.  Another quickly followed by Walsall’s No 8, Cotterill, converted by Nunney.  Derby continued to fight and Sam Tebbs finished in style with a try in the corner.  Hancock’s conversion struck the upright.

It was a heavy defeat but there were periods where Derby fought hard and the younger players got an ”eye opener” experience.  It is a break from the league next Saturday before league Leaders, West Bridgford visit Derby.  Make a note to come and give your support.

Gerry Sherry