Panthers Stay Firm on Home Turf

Chesterfield Panthers Hold Their Own Against Newly Promoted Local Rivals

After Chesterfields’ dismal result against Loughborough (A), then the elation of beating Nottingham Moderns (H) to the frustrating final minute loss against Ashby (A) the only bitter pill to swallow this week would be the horrendous weather at Dunston Road.

It seems that travelling has not suited the Panthers so far this season and with that in mind it only reinforces the need to put up a fierce fight whilst playing on home soil, especially when it is effectively a home derby game.

Ashfield were promoted from a lower tier this season and so far have caused a bit of upset in the league and apart from a couple of teams such as Loughborough and Ashby it really has been a very unpredictable season so far, and with Chesterfield languishing (perhaps undeservedly) mid table it is key that they have a good run up until the Christmas break to assert dominance.

The aforementioned weather was not entirely suitable for a fast paced game of rugby with the strong, cold winds and driving rain meant that kicking was unpredictable as was running into contact. The increasingly big hits seen in the league means a wet ball acts like a bar of soap which is difficult to keep hold of when two solid bodies collide. Stability and tackling also becomes wayward as the players struggle to maintain friction on the ground for a positive impact creating gaps which can be exploited more so, thus anyone who is quick and light-footed has the advantage of making considerable ground amongst a field of less agile thundering mesomorphs.

Both teams have the ability to display a show of strength and some good rugby for the growing number of spectators seen week on week who are happy to brave the elements, and it was a good opportunity to showcase a couple of lads who have been brought in to the squad from the Colts - both of which made a big impact on the field with some outstanding play and vision.

With Chesterfield first to receive and running downhill with the wind on their backs they knew it was time to strike and that they did. Luke Holt caught the ball and made headway ensuring that a good number of men were committed in order to bring the big man down, quick on his heels were the rest of the pack driving low over his body and blasting any of the opposition out of the way to secure clean ball.

Due to the inclement weather this was the best tactic, it was easier to maintain possession with close ball rather than make ill-judged wide passes which the wind could easily effect. Once the ball was secure it didn’t take long for some quick, tight passing for Joe Dickinson to dive over the line in the far corner to the Panthers’ delight.

As this was a local derby, tempers were frequently heightened and with a few exchanges in the midst of the game it was only a matter of time before a player from each baying side was sinbinned for 10 minutes.

It didn’t seem too long in the first half until Chesterfields' Achilles heel resurfaced and a penalty was awarded to Ashfield who kicked well in the howling wind to score 3 points and maintain a continued threat on the field.

Scrums were a close contest with both packs struggling for traction but it was the lineouts where Chesterfield dominated and from which another try was awarded for Ashley Holland courtesy of a full forward pack effort. Unfortunately another conversion was missed due to a combination of distance and wind.

Chesterfield were still unable to keep a lid on the penalties being awarded against them and this provided some great opportunities from Ashfield who narrowly missed breaching the defensive lines on a number of occasions. However, before half time a great set of play and distance created saw Jamie Barnett thunder over the line for another 5 points.

A rousing speech from Coach Derek Sherlock and Wozza saw to keep Chesterfield in the game as the biting cold started to set in amongst the players, many of which were starting to shiver and experience numb forearms. It was imperative that every member got involved in the game and offered themselves open to opportunity and a couple of changes in the squad brought on fresh bodies to make a positive impact.

However, Ashfield were not beaten, their luck may have been down but they had some resolve which saw them break through a gap close to the ruck and make headway downhill to score but with the conversion un-awarded.

That mistake spurred Chesterfield on and replacement Lee Laughter with a fresh set of legs saw off a number of defenders to ground the ball under the posts with a conversion awarded. This try led to complacency and with 3 minutes left remaining Chesterfield were penalised in their own 22 which saw Ashfield score again which was credit to their continued persistence, fortunately for Chesterfield the conversion attempt was unsuccessful and they took a convincing win.

Final score 22-13 to Chesterfield Panthers.