Chesterfield Panthers 2nd's 20-52 Ashbourne 3rd's

With the first team travelling all the way to Daventry for their cup fixture and many players unavailable or out with injuries, numbers across the club were short, resulting in the 3rd team having to cancel on Cresswell and do their upmost to help dig out the 2nd team. Many of these players were still licking their wounds from last weeks defeat to Ashbourne's 4th team.

This was to be Richard Keeling's final game as second team captain before passing the baton onto Adam Pedley. The majority of the team were on time and keen, however, a couple of quality players were unavailable in the final hour and it became apparent in the warm up drills that they'd be sorely missed.
After trying various line out combinations, and a few studs to the skippers testicles, today's only viable jumping option was loosehead prop Ryan Hanes, with Lee Laughton and Richard Keeling lifting.
In the backs their was no shortage of pace although the 3rd team volunteers lacked the experience for this important fixture.
Also, this being the closest day to Remembrance Day, the hosts requested a minutes silence before kick off, which both teams and the crowd honoured with great respect!

Adam Pedley kicked off, high and deep into opposing territory, after just a couple of minutes the ball found itself out to the wing and Jake Blair had no trouble stepping around 3 players to chalk up the first score, Pedders converting.
Naturally, after such a quick demonstration, confidence was high and more points were anticipated, however it would be the visitors who would be taking the spoils. At the first opportunity, Ashbourne were keen to demonstrate strength in the scrums, with the tighthead making a nuisance of himself in the first few, until Chesterfield were able to reassess their opposition and assert some real dominance, mainly channeled through experienced big voice Tom Marriott, and run over the guests. This physicality wasn't enough though, and the visitors were well prepared, just like their 4th team the week before, high precise kicks locating the winger resulting in a demolishing score line.
All was not completely lost in the first half with Adam Pedley taking a penalty kick at goal to keep us in it and Leon Owen performing a spectacular weave to crash the ball by the post, Pedders very unfortunate to hit the post on the conversion.

Half time saw us bring on Danny Sellars, as Alex Hughes, who was a broken man before kick off, had nothing more to give. Kurtis Greenham, was substituted off to give Nathan Newton a return to the game after a pre season injury.
The second half, saw much of the same formula, not helped with handling errors and frustrations from the home side. The visitors took more points through the edges, their confidence was evident when their 10 finally tried a run instead of kicking at every opportunity! Despite an embarrassing case of butter fingers, Jake Blair sliced through the defenders to reach the line and get the ball down.
Ashbourne were far quicker to recycle their rolling mauls than the home team, keeping us on the back foot. Ground was gained when we were allowed to exercise what we practice in training, solid passes from Guy Bassett giving us momentum. As tempers flared, the game began to break down but no disciplinary action was required from the referee. With the gap too wide the game was unreconcilable and drawn to an end.

Adam Pedley - A solid performance at 10, demonstrated leadership in time for his first game as captain next week, unfortunate with a couple of conversions.
Alex Hughes - More tape than man! Unfortunately, too battered to continue the second half.
Danny Sellars - Came on in the second half, good to see him back on the pitch, he's sure been missed.
Declan Wileman - Had a good run after receiving the ball "courteously!" Was too arched in second row much to his fellow lock's dismay.
Guy Bassett - Didn't look out of place in the step up to the 2's, well placed passes and essential communication link between the forwards and backs.
Jake Blair - Incredible pace and steps, unlucky to have small handling error, deserved more ball.
Kurtis Greenham - Only had the first half, and the last 5 mins after Nathan got injured, to show the 2's what he's made of, but so far is having a great first season in the sport.
Lee Laughton - A charging rhino and a steady rock, usually requiring 2/3 opposition to bring him down.
Leon Owen - Proved that he belongs in the 2's, a Welsh beefcake with pace to boot.
Nathan Newton - His comeback game, needs a bit more guidance and educating at training, but his pace is undeniable. Injured near the end.
Paul Giller - Looked more comfortable running in the pack than the previous week in the centres, needs to work with Dec in training to develop a steady scrummage platform.
Phillip Cawthorne - Just like Jake, epic pace and side steps, potentially could've scored on a day like today, solid performance as full back.
Richard Keeling - Captain Keeling, another steady rock and natural leader. Plays with passion and great physicality.
Ryan Hanes - Settling into the loosehead role after 4 weeks, managed to hold his own against a good tighthead today. Did his best in lineout jumps, thanks to Lee and Rich, but was too shy in contact.
Sam Martin - Complimented Leon, put in some good passes, but wasn't given enough opportunity to shine.
Steven Hatt - Found his calling as flanker, with the right guidance, will have a great season
Tom Marriott - If Rich and Lee, are the first two, then Tom is the third musketeer. Great in the scrums and throwing it at the line outs, and a dominant force all over the pitch.

Forward Man Of The Match - Tom Marriott
Back Man Of The Match - Phil Cawthorne
Dick Of The Day - Paul Giller, for an ear piercing scream, only to say he's ok after.