Tupton 29 - 14 Chesterfield Panthers

Arguably the biggest game of the season, Tupton on an undefeated home run, and Panthers keen to demonstrate their new style of play.
In perfect spectator weather, two teams with a lot of pride to play for gave it their all. Tupton who were already guaranteed promotion were gagging to put on a performance in front of their home crowd before their promotional party, Chesterfield Panthers had proved their staying power this season by coming back from 9th (last) up to 4th, with only a few narrow defeats denying them the 3rd place spot.
Everyone knew what was at stake, points were irrelevant in this finale but pride was rife!
Impassioned speeches and a well drilled warm up promised that the hosts weren’t going to get the easy run that they had anticipated.
The first half demonstrated some of our best attacking play seen in a long time. Beasty runs from Julian ‘’Angover’ Ord and Steve Allen coupled with quick play from our favourite scum half Jordan “Pull your pants down!” Grayson, showed that the Panthers meant business. The hosts were on the back foot for the first 20 minutes before a lucky break down the wide side seen them score.
5-0
Panthers held strong and took it back to them, a penalty 20 meters out was unlucky to not find the sticks, from Adam Pedley’s boot shaving the post on the outside.
The hosts managed to get around the fringe again, and the third was held up by a determined Panther defence.
10-0
After a bit of handbags which seen our linesman and winger off for 10, for reasons unknown, the visitors were reduced to 14 men but that didn’t stop them piling on the pressure before Sam Martin found his way under the sticks, Pedders converting.
10-7
The visitors responding before drawing out the first half.
17-7.
With fresh subs Colin Baker and this author arriving on the field, the games dynamic shifted in the second half but the pride and resolve stayed true, unfortunately that wasn’t enough to deny the forward momentum on the hosts’ pack.
22-7
With the game nearly lost but the passion still high, the visitors did their best to empty their tanks, hasty runs from Glenn Grayson and Leon Owen showed great potential, and the Panthers found that extra gear, however it was Sam Martin who found the space and the score, departing club captain Rich Keeling taking the kick.
22-14
The win was in sight and the Panthers had some belief but with just 5 minutes left on the clock the home team got into space and managed to power over the line to put the game to bed.
29-14 Final Score.
The home team get the party they had hoped for but perhaps not as easily as they had planned.

Positives today from the scrums, line outs and the pre planned attacking lines. Everyone deserves a mention today but some really stood out, Ben Curley provided another great spectacle, Joe Heath was electric, Jordan Grayson proved that size doesn’t mean a thing, Lee Laughton played like he had fire in his belly. All deserved a mention and they only need ask for it if they’d like a personal review.

Plenty to work on in training and the off season but things are really looking up! Next season has a lot to offer and is ours for the taking if we want it enough!

Congratulations to league champions Ashfield and Tupton, good luck in the following season and hopefully we’ll see you soon!