U10s travel to Matlock

The parents turned up prepared though, good thick coats, warm socks and in one case a blanket!!

Some people did turn up in very expensive brand-new trainers with inch thick mud on the ground. It’s ok they will clean? When the mist turns to rain, a brief discussion on the best umbrella. Apparently a “double skinned, leather handle with a carbon fibre shaft” is the best, you should not skimp on quality rain protection.

The most terrible thing about the day, was that I had forgotten my note pad so had to use the Dictaphone to make notes. Why does your voice sound so weird? That and trying to keep the camera dry and the lens free of rain.

As always Matlock turned out a couple of strong teams, the first game for both squads Matlock started off the stronger team but as the games went on Panthers came back strong and by the second match were matching Matlock play for play. In one fabulous piece of rugby the Panthers fought for each yard to finally get the ball over the line. The only hick-up in a great show of rugby was a very questionable tackle? The players afterwards showed great sportsmanship, restraint and highlighted the rugby sprit. The Panthers started to close the gaps, but we needed to get the off-loads quicker and running onto the ball taking it at pace. William is now cutting back in and not being pushed out as in the last game. Overall a very physically demanding match, with great levels of play on both sides. Special mention to Lewis from Ben on the second match team talk.

But in summary washing machines will be on over time with kit cleaning. Luckily, we have Dads that will do the cleaning. Well that’s what Ella said ?.

Andy: First game excellent, a great contest and brilliant rugby by both sides. Some big performances by the panthers, the only thing we are struggling with is we are standing too deep and line speed not as quick as it should be. It is getting better, hopefully we can take this into the second game.

Garvin: So immensely proud of the effort put in today, some tremendous performances today and in the end the team beat some very talented individuals at Matlock. A real step up from Derby and Ilkeston and very proud of them.

Andy: The second game, I was immensely proud, though the guys were tremendous, they stepped up to the plate. Everything we asked, the line speed had risen from the first game. It was physical, and they look after each other as a team. I though all together a fantastic team effort and a hard-fought win for them. I cannot fault them, they played up to the physicality and look after each other, just very proud of them.

Try scores today: Lewis, Josh, Oliver, Khi, Felix, Charley, Archie, Oli P, William (and possibly others).

Washing the Kit, Ella and Ben, hope nobody has to wash it by hand?

The ever-present training squad Andy, Ben, Dave and Garvin and a new girl Alice (supporting).

For once I was hunting down Andy for his final toughs, not Garvin.

Thanks to Matlock for a good days Rugby and a warm welcome on a cold day. The pies were good according to Charley, but “not as good as his mums though”. It was good to have Dave back refereeing.

D.A. Cooke (Roving Match Reporter, U10(s) proof-reading Rachel Cooke any comments please email: Rugby@dacfox.com.

As expected when playing Matlock, we had some really competitive games, and once again we seemed to work our way into the games, although I think we started off much sharper than our last outing. Really impressed by the commitment shown by all, and when things didn’t go our way we didn’t let our heads drop we just knuckled down and worked harder. Incredibly proud of the effort shown by all and great to see the progress being made by all, keep up the good work - BP