Derby U14s v Chesterfield Panthers U14s

The Six Nations was on a fallow week, so after the excitement of Ben and Tom Youngs at the club on Saturday, it was down to Derby for the main event of the weekend. Derby kicked off in cold, dry conditions with a very soft surface underfoot. An early scrum had Chesterfield under pressure against a big Derby pack. The hosts’ forwards were flooding the ruck with lots of bodies and Panthers were slow to react. A simple missed tackle gave the Derby backs a bit of space and the result was a breakaway try for 5-0. The conversion went over to make it 7-0.

Chesterfield needed to challenge at ruck time but continued to come off second best. Another breakaway try made it 12-0 to Derby. Dyfan took out his frustration by levelling the try scorer under the posts, earning himself a raised eyebrow from the referee and a big grin from his coaches. At least Dyfan was getting stuck in. Another long-distance score from the hosts with the conversion took the scoreline out to 19-0.

Your correspondent attempted to rally the Panthers forwards with some rousing words. He is taking credit for the excellent try which followed! The forwards piled in to the ruck and won a penalty. Sam took a quick tap and was scragged, but Derby weren’t back 10. Another penalty, once again quickly taken. A few rucks, thundering into a retreating Derby defence. Now go wide! One more pass! The ball was spun wide and Jacob finished a fine try in the right-hand corner.

After the restart, Derby won a penalty and kicked for touch. From the line out they charged down the tramlines. Max bundled the ball carrier into touch. That should have been half time, but the referee instructed the Panthers forwards to play the line out. From the resulting kick, Derby broke away and scored again, 25-5. The conversion was missed but it was a frustrating way to end the half.

The front row of Ben R (skipper), Ian and Max found themselves under pressure from a big Derby pack but acquitted themselves well. Ian secured Panther’s ball despite a retreating scrum and all three got stuck in, in the tight. The starting locks Ben G and Dylan worked hard on both sides of the ball. The back row of Denver, Alfie and Leo chased everything and put themselves about to good effect. It was just possible to see two nearly identical scrum caps, one black, one blue, about 6 inches above the ground at the rucks! Sam sniped and controlled well from fly half and later scrum half. Blaine was everywhere in a typically belligerent display, including scrum half, centre and flanker. Quite probably water boy as well. The starting centre pairing of Dyfan and Jack carried hard and tackled like demons; although a certain forwards coach is certain they’re both back rowers really. The back three of Jacob, David and Harry all went well; scrapping well in defence and looking dangerous in attack. Josh came on in the second half with no drop in quality. Jacob’s try was a thing of beauty and brought a tear to the head coach’s eye. Harry grabbed two scores and David might have been in on another day. Ollie Barnes came on at scrum half, worked hard and played his part in the final try. 

Chesterfield kicked off the second half but the chase was poor and Derby broke through yet again for 29-5, with the extras added (despite Max’s valiant charge down attempt) to take the score to a chastening 31-5. Panthers restarted and soon won a penalty for a high tackle. The ball was quickly spread wide. Hard running and slick passing put Harry B in in the corner. The conversion just fell short, it was 31-10.

From the restart, Derby won ruck ball and their rapid backs took advantage to restore the lead, 36-10, followed by the conversion for 38-10. Derby came again, driving hard through the forwards. Panthers defence was good with everyone getting stuck in. Alfie ended up winded as a bundle of bodies landed on him. He was soon back on his feet. Scrum Derby. They went left but good Chesterfield tackling forced a knock on into touch. Sam dropped out from the 22m but the seige wasn’t lifted. Derby kept attacking and eventually found a way through tiring Panthers’ defence. After the extras, it was 45-10 to the hosts. Chesterfield kept playing and won a line out deep in Derby territory. Jack won the ball at the set piece, Ollie B spun it left. Sam ran a loop and whipped a long pass out to Harry who went in for his second. The difficult conversion fell just short and that was full time.

The final score was 45-15, but as the referee noted Panthers’ effort had perhaps not been reflected on the scoreboard. Max was awarded man of the match for a battling performance and celebrated with a fine song. Harry also deserves the plaudits for his two tries. Thanks to Will SS and William for their teamwork and support and get well soon William. Finally, of course, a heartfelt thank you to the best fans in English rugby, we couldn’t do it without you.