Sat 10 Oct 2026
Derby 25 Matlock 24
After the VP’s lunch, there was a good crowd to watch Lewis Hancock lead the team out marking his 200 appearances for Derby. No.5, Chris Atkinson, did the same for Matlock. Long services are rare occurrence these days with money influencing more than ever. However, Jack Tilford made his debut on the bench. He is getting to know the differences of the game having played Rugby League for London Broncos. On the deficit side, Josh Bingham has confirmed his retirement. His intuitive play and penalties kicked will be sorely missed.
Things started with a bang, when Jim Wigglesworth scored a try after only one minute. Lewis Hancock marked the occasion with a clean conversion. Any thoughts of winning easily were quickly banished two minutes later, when the visitors pushed Derby backwards in a scrum giving Matlock a confidence boost. However, pressure from a lineout created a gap exploited by Ollie Horton for a try to extend Derby’s lead to twelve points. Matlock employed the driving maul tactic to good effect and a quickly taken penalty was finished by centre, Charlie Tallis, making the point that Derby had a game on their hands. Sam Tebbs lead the charge for Derby and Jim Wigglesworth made a long run to the corner for his second try. A relaxed Derby were shocked when Thomas Crewttenden narrowed the gap to five points with an unconverted try. In the remainder of the game, Matlock had the edge in the scrums but Sam Pittman stole three lineout balls which proved very important.
After the restart, Jim Wigglesworth got Derby off to a flying start with another very early try to record a hat-trick of tries in his second game. Things became difficult for Derby when Jeri Oldfield was handed a Yellow Card, This became more problematic when Ollie Horton was also given a Yellow Card. Matlock capitalised on Derby’s misfortunes with fullback, Harry Spibey, scoring under the posts for Will Bygraves to convert. That reduced Derby’s lead to three points. Lewis Hancock eased Derby nerves a little with a well taken penalty. With Matlock pressuring, winger, Owen Turner, touched down in the corner for an unconverted try. Derby’s one point lead survived and brought relief when scrum half, Tobin Bailey-Hill, tapped the ball out of play and the final whistle
Selection will prove difficult for head coach, Jack Partington, as injuries and availabilities mount up. It is home to Sutton Coldfield next week. Do come and lend your support.
Gerry Sherry
