Under 13's

What a start for Derby Under 13's, the result did not reflect how Derby dominated this game from start to finish. What a turnout, 28 players turned up for this opening fixture with everybody getting at least 20 minutes on the pitch

The Derby pack were outstanding all game and the only time West Bridgford crossed the half way line was from the kick off or clearing the ball away. An excellent debut try for Liam Bermingham running from his own 22 to score in the opening five minutes of the game. Derby continued to pile on the pressure and were soon rewarded with a brilliant individual try by scrum half Theo Tizard who beat three players before going in under the posts. Derby worked continuously in defence as well as attack. Then in the dying minutes, a powerful drive by the pack resulted in Alex Johnson diving over to make the final score Derby 15 West Bridgford 0

Match report by Mark Thrasivoulou

Under 14's

The first match of this season brought the very best out of the 16 man U14 squad. Setting the trend of the match, Will Glossop scored first with his return from injury debut. Proving Derby’s superiority Dan Wade put down the next two followed quickly by a far corner struggle and try by Sam Gourlay. Our newcomer Jeremy Hassell showed his worth by strong running to touch down before Andrew Major scored two before half time. 

Burton showed some gritted determination and scored perhaps due to Derby "having a rest". 

Half time allowed the squad to reflect on the few weakness apparent; hesitation to make loose ball their own and lack of close support to a breaking colleague. However, morale was cloud high due to excellent passing, support and tackling (thank you James Wright). 

Taking against the head and a controlled aggressive attitude, gave Derby an unstoppable air which manifested in another try for Messers Majer and Wade and a deserved try for Chris Impey. Captain Tim Buller and Dan Wade each made a conversion.

Derby should be proud of their 2002/2003 season start and have demonstrated their ability to use their skill and fitness levels to bring about a more structured and disciplined side. The whole team join the man of the match, Dan Wade, in wishing Granite a speedy return from injury. Hop along soon James!

Match Report by Jonathan Baxter

Under 16's

Within the first 15 seconds the shape of the game was set, after a sweet catch and pass from Rob Mansfield from the kick off that lead to a dynamic sprint from deep within the Derby half to the try line by Craig Hughes. Then followed 80 minutes of excellent rugby with Craig scoring another 3 tries bringing his total to 4, which was only rivalled, by Ryan Milton and Mike Saunders who both scored 2. This game also saw the debut of two new players Kieran Hennessey and Phil who proved their form very quickly as both of them managed to score before the final whistle. Though all the credit shouldn’t go to the try scorers as this was a total team effort and anyone who didn’t score a try played a part in either setting one up or contributed by their support play.

In the first half Derbys domination was total with both forwards and backs showing excellent offensive and defensive abilities. The half time score of 36-0 proved Derbys supremacy over Leicester.

Despite a rally from Leicester, midway through the second half, which lead to them being able drive through Derby’s defensive line to score their only try. This prevented Derby from running away with the game in the second half, but they still managed to get a score of 60 points to Leicester’s 5 by full time. This Derby performance must bode well for the coming season.

Tries - Craig Hughes 4, Ryan Milton 2, Kieran Hennessey 1, Phil 1, Mike Saunders 2

Conversions - Craig Hughes 1, Ryan Milton 2, Dale Bonser 2

Derby U16's Team

Forwards: Luke Bailey, Rob Petrie, Kieran Hennessey, Ben Turner, Pete Broughton, Josh Ridge, Craig Hughes, Phil, Rob Mansfield, Liam Bell

Backs: Matt Murney, Mike Saunders, Danny Hodges, Will Carey, Sam Kinder, Ryan Milton, Dale Bonsor, Pete Windley, Eddie Byrne

Match Report by Dave Freer

Under 17's 

Derby invited their old friends and rivals Ilkeston to this first match day at Haslems although they had to play a rearranged league fixture last week this was our first game for the whole squad. Pitch one was again perfect for two of the best teams in the county. It is always a close game and pride meant that both sides would play for the win, as the referee said after the game Good, Clean, Fair but Hard.

Derby started with Thomson at number 9 and Thrasivoulou at 10 with Taylor at center for the injured Blackburn. For the first twenty minutes both sides probed the defensive lines with Derby moving slowly forward with strong forward play into Ilkeston’s twenty two but great defence kept out five strong attacking phases until Gadsby crashed over for the first of his two tries.

Ilkeston again put Derby under great pressure and full back Maydew had to play at his best to keep the visitors from scoring , Bailey broke from his own twenty two to take the ball well into the Ilkeston half and from this strong position Derby scored their second try converted by Jardine. Ilkeston do not lie down when playing Derby and good forward play took them to the other end for a good solid forwards try.

Half time Derby 12 Ilkeston 5.

The second half saw the expected changes within the Derby line up with Taylor moving to number 9 and Thomson going to center. Derby’s new player David Fugil made a very impressive start on his début and stayed on the pitch for the whole game. The balance of the game then swung towards Derby with Gadsby showing that a rugby tour to Australia works wonders and a second try was just reward for his hard work and commitment. Again Ilkeston came back at the home side with good rugby producing a second try for the visitors. From the restart the visitors wanted to take the ball into the Derby twenty-two but again the solid play of full back Maydew held them out. Derby then had three injuries in quick succession with King, Mills and Bailey having to go off. Derby pushed forward into the Ilkeston half and a penalty was awarded which Jardine placed between the posts for a final score of Derby 20 Ilkeston 10.

Well done to Derby and well done to both sides.

Ben Bailey, Jonathan Taylor, Dan Thrasivoulou, Luke Collins, Matthew Erwin, Daniel Gadsby, Adam King, Lee Maydew, Mark Sohatee, Samuel Thomson, Richard Mills, Alec Jardine, Ross Ledingham, Daniel Impey, Tony Prichard, David Fugil.

Match Report by Phil Bailey