Panthers 1st XV take all 5 points away at Aylestone

Chesterfield travelled to recently relegated Aylestone once again missing several long term injured players but were looking to extend their winning run to three.

In blustery conditions Panthers kicked off with the wind blowing across the pitch. With physically the larger team Aylestone came at Panthers from the off, pinning Chesterfield in their own 22 for the first period of play. Resolute Panthers defence held strong allowing fly-half Rob Collins & Scrum-half Eric Wright to push Aylestone back into their own half with superb clearance kicks.

Both sides looked to keep the ball tight and what followed was a very close period with only Chesterfield having one chance with a break from Adam Miles that was snaffled out by Aylestone's defence. Chesterfield's line-out was proving extremely effective with Matt Nesbit & Jamie Barnett dominating, and following several penalties conceded by Aylestone, Panthers moved the ball down the left wing with Eric Wright & Robert Davison drawing their men putting winger Tye Rose in the corner for Panthers first points. Captain Chris Ward was unable to add the conversion from out wide in the windy conditions.

Panthers heads were up and immediately drove the ball deep into Aylestone's half following a string of penalties conceded by the home side. Flanker Matt Nesbit went extremely close and Robert Davison was on gland to crash over the whitewash only for the referee to adjudge that he himself had impaired an Aylestone tackler.

Aylestone were able to clear their lines. However, a charge down from their resulting clearance allowed a quick thinking Tye Rose to demonstrate outstanding footballing skills to knock the ball forward and beat the Aylestone full-back to touching down for Panthers second. Once agin Ward battled against the conditions and was unable to add the conversion.

Chesterfield began to start slipping through the gears and went close once again, only halted by Aylestone illegally killing the ball. By this time the referee had enough and sent the Aylestone centre to the bin.

Half time Aylestone 0 Chesterfield Panthers 10.

Coach Derrick Sherlock was both pleased yet dissatisfied at half time feeling that Panthers should have more to show for their relative dominance of the half.

Panthers immediately started where they had left off pushing Aylestone deep into their own half with mistakes preventing two near certain tries been scored early on.

However, Chesterfield were able to score the first points of the second half after a smart kick from Eric Wright caught Aylestone snoozing. Fly-half Rob Collins forced an error and touched down for Chesterfield's third try. Ward was able to add the extras this time.

A scrappy phase of play followed with mistakes causing several stoppages. Instead of kicking on Panthers continued to play at a canter comfortably containing Aylestone's attack, turning the ball over on several occasions. From one such turn over Panthers quickly carried the ball forward through Luke Holt, Chris Windle & Steve Allen and flanker Chris Brailsford was able to slip through three tackles to touch down for Panthers fourth, sealing the try bonus point. Ward again knocked over the simple conversion to take Panthers lead to 24 points.

Following another scrappy period Aylestone jumped on a Panthers mistake to kick the ball through for the referee to adjudge that the ball had been illegally knocked out of the in-goal area and awarded a penalty try to the home side despite their being no Aylestone players in the vicinity.

Neither side was able to capitalise any further from the restart and the final whistle was sounded. Panthers were pleased to have taken all 5 points away from home.

Full time: Aylestone St James 7 Chesterfield Panthers 24

Captain Chris Ward praised his side; "this was a difficult fixture against a team who played at a higher level last season and we put them away with a solid performance. He also praised his sides defense in repelling continued attacks, turning ball over and ultimately preventing the home side from crossing the try line.

Coach Derrick Sherlock selected Adam 'Rusty' Miles as man of the match due to his carries repeatedly breaking through the Aylestone defense.

Tries: Tye Rose 2, Rob Collins, Chris Brailsford

Conversions: Chris Ward 2

Panthers: Terry Titley, Rob Davison, Steve Allen, Jamie Barnett, Chris Windle, Chris Brailsford, Matt Nesbit, Luke Holt, Eric Wright, Rob Collins, Ian Watson, Adam Miles, Chris Ward (c), Tye Rose, Glenn Grayson

Subs: Jordan Grayson, Grant Teagle, Joe Walton