Chesterfield U14s 24-24 Derby U14s

Pre-match rain didn’t put off our vocal support and after a rousing pre-match speech from Coach Gareth, the boys were ready to go. Derby won the toss and elected to receive the kick-off. Despite disruption to training mid-week due to flooded pitches, Chesterfield looked organised from the off. Panthers had a familiar look, with just a few positional tweaks to the backline to accommodate William at Centre on his debut. The pack was similar to the last outing against Ashbourne, with just a few positional changes: Dylan moving back to Number 8, and Jack moving up into the second row to partner Burts. Ben Riley came in at loose head.

It was blood and thunder with some crunching tackles as Derby attacked in the opening exchanges; Panthers gave no quarter. A knock-on resulted in a very solid Chesterfield scrum and from the resulting attack Sam scored the first try of the match. Sam converted his own score to push the hosts into a 7-0 lead. Derby struck back through their full back who showed some serious gas to scorch into the left corner. The conversion was missed, so the scoreline read 7-5. With a greasy ball and a damp surface, handling errors were inevitable. Chesterfield's scrum was very solid, winning their own ball and stealing Derby's ball against the head several times. Panthers attacked again and spread the ball right. Dyfan dropped the ball on to his cultured right boot and put in a beautifully weighted grubber. Jacob steamed up on the outside to dot down for a quality score. Harry’s attempted conversion from the touchline went astray. It was 12-5 to Panthers.

Strong counter rucking from Derby won turnover ball in Panther’s 22 and “Pedro” from Derby went in close to the posts. The conversion was successful despite the kicker losing his footing and putting in a spectacular dive. We were all level at 12-12. Derby attacked again and their captain went over the try line. He looked up rather sheepishly at the referee, aware that he had knocked on before grounding the ball. To his credit he took it on the chin – goal line drop out to Chesterfield and a let-off for Panthers.

The front row of Ben R, Max and Ian scrapped well in defence and steamed into the rucks. The ballast in the second row of Jack and Jack (plus Dylan at 8) was apparent at scrum time and both Jacks defended well and got in some trademark charges, ball in hand. Dylan too rucked well and carried hard. Ben G won line out ball, got involved defensively and managed a good rumble down the left touchline before being hauled down. He showed his flexibility by switching to lock in the second half. Will and Alfie shared duties at flanker and gave it everything. Sam had a fine game, full of passion, capped with his try. Harry organised well from fly-half, took on some of the most challenging conversion kicks and tackled bravely. William ran hard at centre in a fine debut, on this form we need to get him the ball more often. Blaine flew into tackles and on another day would have been in for his own score. The rest of the back three players: Jacob, David and Josh all looked dangerous in attack and usually snared their man in defence.

The ferocity of the contest was apparent, with Ian taking a head knock. Player safety is always paramount, so Ian stayed off and we wish him a speedy recovery. It meant a reshuffle in the pack with Burts moving up to prop, and Panthers almost started the second half with only 14 players! Despite this, Chesterfield attacked again and David was soon in for a smartly taken try. The conversion was missed, leaving the score at 17-12.
Derby tried an attacking move several times where their fly half ran across the pitch and even slightly backwards, waiting for his outside backs to offer themselves on the charge. Good defensive line speed from Chesterfield snuffed out these over-elaborate moves. More conventional straight running allowed Derby’s captain to atone for his error in the first half. His try levelled the scores at 17-17, the conversion once again going astray. Fatigue was starting to show, and the scrums were a bit less solid. Derby broke away for a long-range score under the posts. The subsequent conversion meant it was 17-24 to the visitors. Panthers refused to let their heads drop and Dyfan ran hard and barged over from 20m. He converted his own try for 24-24.

The kick-off was the last play but there was time for more drama. Panthers won a penalty on their own 22. A simple tap and kick to touch would end the game. Sam was having none of it. He was determined to go for the win. A long kick downfield from Panther’s scrum half for the outside backs to chase. Play was now in Derby’s 22. A Panther’s high tackle gave the penalty and possession back to Derby. A frantic passage of play ended in another penalty to Chesterfield. This time a kick to touch did end a fine match with honours even.

The coaches had asked the players to make them proud and they certainly did. Jacob was awarded the player of the match for a committed display in defence and an excellent try from the very top drawer. A contender for try of the season in September! But the coaches had a really hard job picking one player from an excellent team performance.

Mansfield are up next for an even tougher test.