Derby U15s, on their first appearance in a NLD Cup Final and against opposition that has knocked them out of the cup in the last 2 years, put in a magnificent team effort to win in front of a crowd of between 200 and 300 people. They showed great character to come back from 03 - 19 down at half time, especially as the tries had been conceded late in the half.

Despite dominating most of the first half they failed to convert pressure into tries and only earned a penalty scored by Michael Robertson. The first 20 minutes was spent in Scunthorpe's half, with several big drives from Derby forwards gaining them ground. When the ball was moved to the backs, Scunthorpe's defence was solid and their fly half's fine kicking was able to relieve the pressure when they won possession. Derby's problems came from losing silly possession after good work and not putting enough width on their attacks. All the pressure and little reward can have a negative effect and when Scunthorpe gained some territory they started to look dangerous. Derby's concentration lapsed in the last 10 minutes of the half and Scunthorpe scored two tries from rehearsed moves, one at the front of the line out which should have been simple to defend. A further try was scored in open play having sucked Derby's defence out of position. Two of the tries were converted to leave the half time score 03 - 19.

The half time talk simply reminded the team that they had been the better side for most of the game, not to let the heads drop, carry on with the same commitment, cut out the mistakes, but with the option to kick with a little wind behind. Straight away Derby returned to the offensive and from a penalty the ball was swiftly and simply transferred along the backs for Simon Bell scored out wide. Immediately you could see the confidence and belief rising in the team. Midway through the half, Bell again had the ball and was driven over the line by the Derby pack. The referee finally awarded a try after peeling players away to see who was at the bottom of the heap. Soon after, Alex Tizard was bundled into touch a foot short of the line as Derby were starting to get the width on their attacks they needed. A few minutes later, Michael Robertson carved a rare opening through Scunthorpe's strong defence, but was hauled down inches short of the line. Matt Cornfield, always lethal from about a foot, was first to arrive, picked up and scored. Fortunately nobody told Richard Smith that the conversion would put Derby in front, so his legs did not turn to jelly and he added the all important two points. A nervous last 10 minutes ensued, especially when a penalty in our favour was reversed for supposed time wasting and looked distinctly kickable. Derby mostly kept Scunthorpe in their own half - always the best way to defend - with all players determined to tackle anything that moved and held on for a great win.

From this great team performance it is difficult to single out anybody for special mention, but one does deserve it. After struggling in the first half, probably trying to take too much on himself, Michael Robertson transformed the game in the second half by releasing the players outside him, making several dangerous runs himself to create opportunities, making good, safe touch kicks when required and knocking opposition over with the relish of blind side flanker. Thanks must also go to the 6 replacements who unfortunately were not used and have tended to be the cannon fodder in recent training sessions. The whole squad, including replacements and the two players injured since the semi-finals, has played a part in this Cup win.

Since the game many past and present players have commented to me on the quality of Derby's play and on the quality of the match in general, to which Scunthorpe made a massive contribution. Commiserations to them, especially as they have now reached 3 finals and lost them all (to different opposition), their day will no doubt come one day. They were gallant losers and their coaches and committee extremely gracious after the game.

A superb advert for junior rugby in the area.