On a fabulous day for rugby the U12 A Group  provided some fantastic free flowing rugby for all the spectators and even had the spectacle of the Air Ambulance landing on our pitch which created an extra dimension of excitement and nearly blew Old Albanian's team tent to Breadsall !

Due to one team dropping out it was decided that the 3 remaining teams of Derby A, Hull Ionians and Old Albanians would play each other twice with the top 2 sides going through to the semi-finals. The matches were very closely fought with no real difference between the sides though on the day Hull were probably the strongest and most consistent team  

1. Derby A U12       5 - 5 Old Albanians

   try-Sam Tresidder

2. Derby A U12       0 - 5 Hull Ionians

3. Old Albanians     0 - 0 Hull Ionians

4. Derby A U12       5 - 5 Old Albanians

try-Shane Purcell

5. Derby A U12      0 - 0 Hull Ionians

6. Old Albanians    0 - 15 Hull Ionians

Hull went through as group winners to meet Melbourne   winning by 5 points to Nil

Derby A U12 ' met Mold of North Wales in the other semi-Final

Derby A U12  5 - 5 Mold

try--Shane Purcell 

Mold went through on the countback system of most tries scored

Final: Mold  0 - 0 Hull Ionians

This was a very close contest between 2 equally matched teams. 

In true spirit  the 2 teams decided to share the trophy rather than fall back on any countback. 

A good but very tiring day was had by all. The Derby A / Gullivers Squad never really played to anything like their full potential apart from in the first half of the first group game against Old Albanians. However, it was good to see the boys dig in when things weren't going their way and shows what a high standard we have come to expect from them and indeed they have produced. 

Once again the opposition gave lots of plaudits to the team, the festival and Derby RFC as a whole. Hull are desperate to play against us next season at U13's as are Mold who wish to see us in their festival on 1st May. Old Albanians have also expressed a desire to get together again next season and we look forward to having a drink with them at Twickenham on 28th May 2005 when hopefully we will bring the Plate Trophy back to Derby .

The DERBY Leopard team was selected to represent Derby RFC at the Ilkeston festival in the Under 12s competition.  We were drawn in a league consisting of Sheffield , Loughborough and Matlock.  The Derby team and the Derby Tiger team would have found this testing company but the Leopards took to their task with enthusiasm.   

In the first game the Leopards were unlucky to lose to Sheffield 5 - 0.  The forwards were especially competitive and the Leopards crossed the Sheffield line only for the “try “to be disallowed.  Having dominated the game the leopards conceded a try in a late Sheffield attack and the Sheffield coaches admitted that “they had got away with it “.  

The next game was against Loughborough a side that we have not played for a couple of seasons.  Despite some competitive forward play the Leopards were let down by some less than aggressive tackling allowing Loughborough to win by 20 - 0.  This was a difficult game in which the Leopards never achieved momentum going forward.  The heads did not go down and the team continued to the end, Loughborough’s tackling denied the Leopards a score which was deserved.  Some good breaks were made by an enthusiastic Leopard back line but we need a little more innovation to penetrate the opposition defences. Good ball was won against a heavier and more experienced Loughborough pack.  

The final league game was against Matlock who went on to contest the festival final with Melbourne .  The fast running Matlock backs were allowed easy passage by some less than effective Leopard tackling.  Matlock ran out winners by 25 - 00. Nevertheless the Leopards kept going until the end and all the players have had a flavour of competitive rugby.  There were many learning points for the team from their performance and the coaches learnt a lot about the abilities of the players, many of whom exceeded expectations.  

Just as we thought we were going home the coaches of the Grimsby U12 team asked if we would like a game as they had travelled a long way and only had had 20 minutes rugby.  Despite having suffered three defeats the Leopards readily agreed to play and we had a fantastic game of 10 minutes each half.  The score of 15 - 10 to Leopards was immaterial as all players from both teams contributed to a keenly fought game excellently refereed by one of the Grimsby coaches.  This performance lifted the spirits of the side which had tried so hard and not gained the success their efforts deserved.  Also the Grimsby boys felt that their trip to Ilkeston was worthwhile as we helped them double the time on the pitch.  This was a great end to a challenging day which was played very much in the spirit of rugby.   

Nigel Edwards was so moved by the Leopards spirit that he bought all the players ice creams at the end of the Grimsby game and all of the players went home with smiling faces.

Although very much part of the players rugby education the performances  of DERBY U12s at this festival has again won many favourable comments from other clubs, people know that our policy is to give all players the chance of representing the club and this has won respect from all.  Yet more evidence that rugby is about trying as hard as you can and making friends as opposed to winning everything.  Well done Leopards.  Thanks again to Dave Freer who has done so much to develop these players and to the parents who have lent their support.

Derby U12's produced an awesome display to come away winners of the Crosbie Memorial Trophy.

Competing Teams:

Derby Squad :--Tim Dixon, Tom Cornfield, Sam Tresidder, Shane Purcell, Josh Pearson,

Group Games--

1. Derby 15 - 00 Paviors Greens

Tries: J Tizard,

2. Derby 30 - 00 Paviors Reds

Tries:

3. Derby 30 - 05 Chesterfield

Tries:

Derby strolled into the semi-finals with convincing displays against some of our local opposition. Due to injuries and absenteeism there were several changes during the games giving everyone a chance to shine. Only a momentary lapse of team concentration allowed a try to be conceded but hopefully that will be warning for future games;- sounds a bit harsh but it could have been the Plate Final at Twickenham, last minute and ooops....!

Semi-Final: Derby 25 - 00 Buxton

Tries:

After being a little slow off the blocks the boys put on a resounding display and ran in 5 tries without reply. Buxton looked like they might have a little more to offer in the opening couple of minutes but folded as Callum and Sam ran in 2 tries each....and so onto the FINAL.

Final: Derby 35 - 05 Paviors Greens

Tries:

WOW !  What a performance.  Despite being cheered on by the Paviors 1st Team and a large home crowd  our boys produced their most outstanding display of rugby seen for a couple of years with Sam Tresidder superb at centre and Callan Watson outstanding in yet another positional-find-for-him out on the left wing;- where are we going to play him at 15 a-side?. Free flowing rugby from the backs and tremendous mauling and rucking from the forwards drew gasps from the crowd and lots of accolades from the other watching coaches.

Tremendous boys--you were an outstanding credit to yourselves and Derby RFC today and fully deserved every accolade and medal given to you today.

Tries: 27 scored (only 2 conceded) - Sam Tresidder 8, Callan Watson 8, Jim Wigglesworth 4, Josh Tizard 2, Shane Purcell 2, Tim Marshall 2 and Tom Memmory 1.

Crosbie Memorial Trophy Winners--- Derby U12's.

Crosbie Memorial Plate Winners--Mansfield

Crosbie Memorial Fair Play Award--Buxton.

Many thanks once again to our legion of fans and relatives who braved the chilly Nottinghamshire air to give us such great support and well done to Paviors for holding such a well organised and friendly festival. Also our thanks to the NLD Refs Society for their excellent refereeing--we look forward to seeing them at Derby next week.

Derby 33 - 21 Fleetwood

Tries: J Tizard, S Purcell 2, T Summerscales, M Zammit- Maempel

Cons:

With the Derby Tigers away on duty at the 3-Counties Festival, the combined squad of Gullivers and Leopards Squad players  entertained a Fleetwood Club who were having a thoroughly fantastic first ever tour away from home. Unfortunately we were rather too strong though it needed a rude awakening in the form of an early Fleetwood try to bring the boys back to earth. By the 1st third-time we had built a resounding lead and so enabled us to give each player plenty of game time in a match of 3 -thirds. The Leopards gained valuable practice and confidence pre-Ilkeston Festival whilst others were able to learn a little about the problems of playing in other positions--Tom Summerscales on the left wing and Max Zammit at second row being 2 obvious examples !

A fantastically friendly game was followed by some excellent post-match camaraderie in the clubhouse and we hope that a good bond has been made between the 2 clubs.

Well done to both teams.

Derby travelled to York on a sunny morning with conditions perfect for running rugby and their last competitive rugby before the Gullivers Festival. Hopes were high despite missing three regular players due to other commitments and injury.  

Drawn in a tough pool, together with the hosts' 'A' team, Otley and Pocklington, our lads knew they were in for a tough examination, York themselves being the winners at last seasons Derby Festival in our age group. The festival was well organised, smoothly run and played in good spirit. It was welcoming to hear the lack of ref baiting by uninitiated parents - something which York were keen to impose and which was well respected by all. The format of 7 minutes each way is not our favourite, but all players in the squad of 16 played at least a half in each game and this kept players fresh. 

Pool Game 1:  York 'A' 05 - 10 Derby 

Derby flew out of the blocks and soon put York under some early pressure. The backs moved the ball well and Derby were soon awarded a penalty close to the York line. A tap to centre Shane Purcell saw him rampage at the opposition and he was helped over the line for the first score. York battled their way back into the game and from a scrum 15m out, their impressive scrum half made a sharp break to score, making the half time score 5-5. 

The second half was fairly even and hotly contested upfront. A good kick for position by fly half Olly Walton saw Derby edge closer to the York line. Some good pressure eventually led to centre Shane Purcell forcing his way over for his second try of the game.  

Both sides had started with a hard game and we just managed to squeeze this one. The standard of rugby by both sides was admired by both sets of parents and coaches alike. 

Pool Game 2:  Derby 05 - 00 Otley

Seeing the Otley side for the first time made us think we had turned up on the wrong day and that there was a junior and not mini tournament being played. They don't half build 'em big up there!!! Comments were made of  ' He's got hairy legs' of the Otley second row who would easily have passed for 15, but who I was assured was an under 12.  

Derby started slowly, allowing the Otley big men to run at us and tackles were missed. Derby gradually worked their way into the game and were rewarded when a slick backs move was rounded off by Sam Tressider who dived over in the corner to score before half time. The second half saw Derby defend resolutely, tackles now being made and although Otley huffed and puffed, they didn't seriously look like breaching our line. When we needed a bit of composure, half backs Josh Tizard and Olly Walton relieved the pressure well. 

Pool Game 3:  Derby 00 - 00 Pocklington 

Having won 2 from 2 and qualified for the semi finals, the lads took what seemed a lack lustre attitude into this game. This is not like the lads, but I suppose we can't play well every time. Pocklington, to their credit, gave it everything. They had a strong running tall centre but this seemed to be their only game plan - get it to him and let him go. Unfortunately for him he kept running into our strong tackling backs of Walton, Purcell, Tressider and Wigglesworth. The game ran out into what football fans would call a 'bore draw'.  

We finished top of our pool with 2 wins and a draw and were paired with York 'B' in the semi final. 

Semi Final:  Derby 20 - 00 York 'B' 

An all round better display of running rugby by the lads. So much more committed than the last pool game and back to doing what we have tried to do for the season - move the ball.  

The first Derby score came from a penalty close to the York line. Another barging run from centre Shane Purcell saw him crash over for his third try of the day. Derby were playing good rugby at this point, getting to break downs quickly and allowing Josh Tizard to distribute the ball well. From a maul around half way, he himself managed to make a good break, splitting the York defence. He was held up just short of the line but had the presence of mind to pop the ball up for the supporting player, Shane Purcell, who scored again. Half time 10 - 0 to Derby. 

The second half was much the same, Derby being allowed to play and taking advantage of it. Another good move saw the ball spun out to Jim Wigglesworth who set off on one of his side stepping runs, beating the customary 7 or 8 players before he dived over for a fine individual try. Derby's last try was scored by second row Tim Marshall who was first to a break down and who picked up and drove strongly over the line with other players outside in support. A good all round performance and a well deserved place in the final. 

Final:  York 'A' 05 - 00 Derby 

This was a fitting end to the tournament. Two good sides going head to head with no quarter being given. A repeat of the first pool game and both sides deserving their place in the final, watched by many interested spectators. 

York overall had the balance of play, playing pressure defence and not allowing us to get into our stride. When York had the ball, our tackling was sound and their dangerous scrum half was being kept under wraps better than in the pool game. York forwards were driving well as a unit, but our defence held firm. Half time 0 - 0. 

The second half was just as frantic. Both sides trying to play expansive rugby which in turn was snuffed out by good defence. The winning try came from a Derby scrum 10m from our line. The York pack put pressure on our scrum, a difficult ball came out and the clearing kick was charged down. The ball bounced back over our try line and the alert York player just won the race for the touch down.  

A disappointing end to another good game between two evenly matched sides.  

Overall a good tournament and some good rugby. The most pleasing thing was the spirit the whole competition was played in and the respect shown by all players and coaches from all clubs. Well done York for organising such a good day. 

Derby Squad  -  Scott Alkins  Reece Dallimore  Liam Darby  Michael Markham  Will Braddock  Tim Marshall  Tom Memmory  Callan Watson  Josh Tizzard  Tom Cornfield  Olly Walton  Shane Purcell  Jim Wigglesworth  Sam Tressider  Tim Dixon  Joshua Pearson.    

Festival report by John McNeilly

Derby v Matlock report now follows ....

Derby  Tigers 00 - 65 Matlock

Derby Leopards 00 - 66 Matlock  

With the Gullivers squad on duty at York Festival this was a chance for the Tigers and Leopards to shine and show that they were worthy of a chance at stepping up to a higher level. But oh dear  !!!  

It can only be described as a bad day at the office as despite encouragement, cajoling and rollicking (and anything else we could think of) our lads just did not turn up and gave little resistance against a good Matlock side who completely dominated both games.

Never mind lads--it was good to see a better performance in the second game and as they say---' you can't win em all ! '.

Derby Tigers 10 - 00 Nottingham

Tries: Callan Watson, David Boddy

Derby Leopards  10 - 20 Nottingham

Tries: Connor Millward, William Braddock

Apologies for the brief report but my memory is failing with the report coming in late !

The Gulliver's squad rested and had a training session of fitness techniques given to them by our Team Chief Medical Officer Dr Joe Zammit.

The Tiger's squad gave a strong performance against an able Nottingham side whilst the Leopards held their own for most of the game against the same Nottingham squad which also allowed a gentle return from injury for Liam McNeilly and a brief run out for one or 2 Gullivers players when injuries and hypothermia set in !.

Mostly well done to our supporters for braving the elements.

Derby 21 - 00 Paviors

Tries:

Cons: Ollie Walton 3

The boys dominated the opening 10-15mins and played some powerful, freeflowing and controlled rugby, racing to a 21 points lead. Paviors came back into the game towards the end of the first half and matters were even in the second half though they never really looked like coming back into the game.

It was nice to see  the lads come out of the blocks racing for a change which is the sort of play they will need to maintain in the shorter Gullivers matches. Well done to Liam McNeilly playing with something like his old confidence and power after a long spell out injured. The whole squad had a good run out but the second half showed that we need to have everyone up to speed. Well done lads--terrific.!

Derby 61 - 07 Paviors 'B'

Tries: Jim Wigglesworth  2,

Cons: Tom Marshall  8

The game was a bit of a rout against the Pavior's second team but it gave us a chance to play boys in unaccustomed positions giving them all more experience. Well played boys for playing the game in the correct manor and well done to Paviors for sticking at it.

Many thanks to all supporters for the usual huge turnout and to Mrs Dallimore for sharing her washing machine with our kit.

Gullivers squad training Wednesday

Nottingham home next week. 

In line with our plan to ensure that all players enjoy as much game time as possible the Derby U12 Tiger squad represented the club at a three way match at Melbourne , the other visitors were Burton .

In the first match Melbourne fielded their strongest side and they won 42 - 00 against our less experienced players. Nevertheless it was good in as much that the Tigers kept going right to the end, the lighter Tiger pack won some ball even though going backwards a lot of the time. Although this was a heavy defeat our new players were not downhearted.

It reflects well on the Tigers that in the second match Melbourne still fielded a few of their first team (!).  Tigers were unlucky to lose 30 - 28 due to a last minute try and conversion. Try scorers were George Sutherland (3) and Joe Young, with David Boddy converting.

Having played two games against the Tigers the Melbourne first team then lost to Burton (!) whilst the Tigers faced Burton "B" .  Tigers got a victory at last running out 21 -07 winners with tries by David Boddy, and Jo and George again.  It was good to end on a high note.  Every player had over an hour's match time and the improvement in the teams performance and cohesion over the morning was impressive.  I suspect that had the order of play been reversed then the game against Melbourne "A" would have been closer but we will never know.  Many of the Tiger squad have only started rugby this season and gained valuable experience.  The Tigers will represent Derby at the NLD festival and I am confident they will give a good account of themselves.

I am particularly grateful to Joe Zammit for first aid support and to a good turn out from the parents.

Match 1: Syston U12's 07 - 07 Burton Cougar U12's

Match 2: Derby U12's 43 - 00 Burton A/B U12's

Tries: S Allkins, J Tizard 2, S Purcell, J Pearson, S Tressider, Tim Marshall

Cons: O Walton 4

The boys produced an excellent performance of fast flowing rugby against one of the Burton sides. Team highlight = the move leading up to Josh Pearson's try which he brilliantly ran into the corner. Individual highlight = Josh Tizard's individual try involving a perfectly placed & timed kick through, pick up and try execution---brilliant !

Match 3: Derby U12 Tigers  07 - 14 Syston U12's

Tries: J Groom

Cons: T Marshall

An experienced and well drilled Syston team held out against a valiant effort by the Tigers who more than held their own against an experienced team. Tremendous stuff lads.

Match 4: Derby U12 Tigers 40 - 00 Burton U12 B

Tries: C Watson 3, J Groom, D Boddy, T Cornfield

Cons: D Boddy 2, T Marshall 3

The Tigers produced a fantastic squad performance, fielding virtually 2 different teams in each half. In the first half a very inexperienced team held their own and led with tries run in by the Try Machine, Callan Watson, with some outstanding runs. A strong second half squad destroyed the opposition and produced some quality rugby with Tom Cornfield being outstanding particularly with a fine individual try.

Match 5: Derby U12's 07 - 00 Burton U12's A Squad

Try: O Walton

Con: O Walton

In a team of heroes  Ollie Walton produced an outstanding individual performance, not only scoring the points but producing some crunching tackles at timely moments and leading from the front. The boys were fantastic in attitude and performance and held firm against a pumped up Burton team and the most, apparent, biased exhibition of refereeing we have had the misfortune of coming up against in our time as coaches for which two of the Burton coaches apologised to me at the end of the game; apart from one or two outbursts the boys managed to keep their composure which I felt was very mature for a group of 12 year olds under the circumstances. However, the boys could also look at the situation with great pride, not only in their performance but also that opponents are now having to resort to such apparent measures to try and beat us; come on guys, we are talking about a game to be played for fun for 12 year olds !!  As you can no doubt tell this game touched a raw nerve in an otherwise placid Yorkshireman and made me proud that as a coaching team we endeavour to teach and play the game in a fair, skillful, hard but fair, sporting manner whilst my collegues Tim and John are the epitome of fairness when refereeing, though they are the first to put their hands up in admitting a mistake.

Well Done Everyone -- especially again our tremendous supporters who support the boys fantastically and welcome to our new canine supporter 'Barty'

Match Report by Adrian Summerscales and Photos by Nigel Sutherland

We are grateful to Matlock for a fine morning's rugby in which all players from both U12 sections had over 40 minutes pitch time.  We combined our teams to give as much rugby as possible to every player.

In the first game a combined Derby and Tiger side lost to Matlock first team by 05 - 07.  Matlock forwards were well drilled and the backs contained some strong runners. Despite this the Derby/Tiger team competed well and learnt a lot about playing under pressure from Matlock.  Michael Markham scored a good "forwards try" rolling off a maul on the Matlock line.  Unfortunately
Mr Dependable missed the conversion, he said it was because he was wearing his soccer boots (!).  Overall Matlock deserved the win.

In the next session Matlock played a combined Tigers/Leopard side containing several very new players. The team plugged away and were unfortunate not to get on the score sheet.  In the end Matlock were too strong winning 28 - 00. However the game allowed us to try new combinations and got players involved in a real game as opposed to training.

(Then Derby/Tigers played Tiger/Leopards with the Derby/Tigers scoring 5 tries to no reply, Liam McNeilly converted three of the tries while the others were converted by Ollie Walton).

Finally the Derby team short of Summerscales and Purcell played Matlock. The Derby tackling was firm giving the Matlock runners little opportunity to break the line and the forwards won sufficient ball from a formidable Matlock pack. The breakthrough was made by Jim Wigglesworth who finished a flowing Derby move.  Ollie Walton restored the usual service by converting
to give a 00 - 07 score to Derby .  In the closing minutes Matlock pressed strongly but the Derby defence was resolute.

The refereeing by the Matlock coaches was excellent and all games were played in the best of spirits.  We look forward to the return match in the New Year. Thanks to Tim Marshall's Mum for this week's laundry service.

Match  1: Derby 14 - 14 Kesteven

Tries: Tom Summerscales, Shane Purcell

Cons: Ollie Walton

A much changed Derby, with Max Zammit at scrum half,Tom Marshall at full back,Tim Dixon at wing and David Boddey making his debut on the right wing, put up a good performance against a strong Kesteven side who were gunning for revenge after last season's defeat in the 3-Counties Final.With the slope and the wind and driving rain behind them, Kesteven scored early on with a kick over the top and run through catching the defence out of position.However, the boys battled back well and only some resoulte defending by Kesteven kept us at bay, with in particular Sam Tressider going going close but unfortunately injuring himself in the process, causing yet another change with Tim Marshall having to move from second row to centre with Tom Memmory coming on into the second row.

The boys took the game to Kesteven at the start of the second half and it was only a matter of time before we equalised with Tom Summerscales driving over to score a try which was sportingly confirmed by the Kesteven linesman with the referee unsighted.Ollie Walton duly converted and it looked like the boys would run in some more tries.However,credit to Kesteven,they battled back and with the rain having stopped scored a well worked try from their backs which they converted.Straight from the restart Derby attacked and very quickly Shane Purcell equalised with a typical bursting try which Ollie Walton converted to tie the game which is how it finished in the end with Derby looking the stronger of two tired teams.

Well done to ALL the players for their efforts in some trying conditions and we look forward to coming up against Kesteven again in the future.

Match 2 : Derby Tigers 32 - 00 Kesteven Barbarians

Tries: Callan Watson 2, Josh Pearson, James Smith, Finn Brassington-Edwards, Hayden Blakemore

Cons: Josh Pearson

The Tigers made short work of a Kesteven Barbarians team with their numbers made up by several Derby players who tried very hard for ''the shirt''. The tries were the result of slick passing movements and strong running which can only be good for confidence and experience building for some of the newer players.Well played Tigers.The situation outlined the strength of depth that we are now have and continue to build on.

Once again many thanks to all parents & family for their support in some atrocious conditions. Many thanks for Joe Marshall volunteering his wife Rita for kit washing duties. Here's to some drier conditions at home next weekend when we host Litchfield and Mansfield.

Before closing we must thank our Mini's Fixture Secretary and U12's mum, Tracy Darby for spending a huge amount of time and effort in arranging today's fixture at short notice. Thankyou Tracy .

Wednesday training---forwards.

What a fantastic turnout !  Despite it being the worst Sunday, weatherwise, of the year,

30+ boys and their families made the journey down to Old Albanians' tremendous ground and facilities to play an excellent morning's rugby on a superb surface. In spite of hypothermia I think everyone had a good time !! 

Match 1: Old Albanian's  'B'  07 - 28 Derby Tigers                   

Tries: Sam Tressider 3, Tom Marshall 1

Cons:

Derby Tigers were completely in control throughout the game and played fantastically well as a team. Sam Tressider gave a superb performance with 3 individual strong running tries and some hard tackling. Tom Marshall also ran in an excellent try whilst he converted each try with ease, kicked to touch with great accuracy and came into the line to support with precision timing. The forwards were excellent as a unit despite changes at half time which caused no disruption. Tom Cornfield was outstanding at scrum half. Once again, a great credit to themselves and DRFC. 

Match 2: Old Albanians 21 - 00 Derby              . 

The home side produced a fantastic display of fast, powerful, skillfull rugby which was probably the best a team has played against us for some considerable time. The boys were never really allowed to get going though it took a couple of mistakes on our part to allow them to extend their lead. The forwards, after a slightly slow start, more than held their own and managed to get the boys some ball but we were never able to produce any of the free flowing rugby which we are capable of and so chances were few and far between. On the day the better team won but we need to learn from today and move our rugby up to a higher level of which we are quite capable. The boys all tried very hard and should come away disappointed with the outcome but smiling with their efforts. WELL DONE BOYS. 

As per usual the parents and families were superb in their support and all the boys and coaches would like to thank you for your support on such a cold, miserable day. THANKYOU. Also thankyou to Mr Memmory for kit washing duties--or should that be Mrs....????

Training on Wednesday---BACKS only. 

Next game--awaiting confirmation of matches v Stamford & Biggleswade Sunday 28th. 

On a perfect day for rugby the U12's resumed battle!.

Match 1: Derby U12s 21 - 07 Melbourne U12s

Tries: Jim Wigglesworth, Shane Purcell, Michael Markham

Cons: Ollie Walton 3 

Although most of the game was played in Melbourne 's half of the pitch it was quite a closely fought contest with Melbourne playing some quite skilful organised rugby. However, Derby 's dominance was reflected in the scoreline and we were worthy winners in the end. The forward five were outstanding against 'bigger opponents', winning the scrums and lineouts, providing lots of ball for the backs. Our only criticism was a lack of flair once again in the back division which otherwise could have provided an avalanche of tries. Tim Marshall was back to his best with some of  his best play seen for some time--welcome back Tim.

Overall, a tremendous dominating performance! well done guys. 

Match 2: Derby U12s Leopards 12 - 14 Melbourne U12s Development

Tries: Callan Watson, Hayden Blakemore

Cons: David Boddey

If ever there was an unfair result this was it ! The boys held their own against a powerful Melbourne 2nd team and only a late try and conversion at the 'death' reversed the result. Some outstanding displays, notable from Callan Watson, stirred the boys to great heights and it looked like we had sealed the victory with a fine try from the-returning-from-injury Hayden Blakemore, until the last minute. No-one should be disheartened; this was a tremendous display greatly appreciated by the coaches, for which Dave Freer should take great credit, and thoroughly enjoyed by all the watching fans--well done boys. 

Match 3: Derby Tigers 07 - 00 Melbourne A/B

Tries: Jake Farquharson

Cons: Joe Young 

To their great credit Derby Tigers waited most of the morning to vent their frustration on Melbourne who fielded a very strong team. Tom Memmory was outstanding along with Will Braddock whose enthusiasm was a joy to behold. After a period of prolonged pressure, causing a loss of composure in the Melbourne defence, Jake touched down for a well deserved try which was nicely converted by Tom Young to secure the victory; it was nice to see 2 of our recruits from elsewhere scoring the points. 

Overall--TREMENDOUS ! 

Well done to Tim and John for their refereeing in the manner as per the Continuum and likewise to the Melbourne ref' for refereeing in a similar vein.

As per usual the parental/family support was fantastic and it is the most valued thing for any child to have their family cheering them along. THANKYOU !

No doubt Melbourne will be looking to turn things around when we next meet in the triangular tournament with Burton .

Many thanks to Beverley for taking on kit washing duties. 

On a crisp  East Yorkshire / Humberside Sunday morning  it was pleasing that everyone had managed to make it on time and had obviously changed their clocks ! 

The Hull Ionian set up was superb with tremendous facilities, pitch quality and warm hospitality--the bacon butties were rated by the Summerscales Family as ''excellent quality and content-- 10 / 10 ''--especially by the elder daughter who managed to get 5 rashers in one butty ! 

Match 1: Derby 07 - 21 Hull Ionians

Tries: Josh Tizard

Con: Ollie Walton

After a typical slow start by the boys the match became a classic tale of 2 halves.

We led at the interval courtesy of a Josh Tizard individual try and Ollie Walton's conversion. It was obvious that Hull were a strong force with in particular a marauding 2nd rower, a strong running, jinking, powerful centre and a full back who came into the line well and ran with skill and pace. Nevertheless, the boys dominated most of the first half and could have had a few more tries if only for some better vision and distribution. Our 2nd row of Tom and Tim in particular were outstanding (though you still need to get lower lads) whilst Ollie Walton's increasing confidence was evident and Josh Tizard made several good breaks.

The second half was a complete turnaround and  we were not helped by a quick Hull try early-on whilst the boys were trying to find their feet after an almost complete new Derby team was introduced for the second half. After weathering the storm the boys came back well and in particular Tom Memmory was tremendous at second row. Unfortunately 2 lapses in defence allowed Hull to score 2 deserved/undeserved tries (depending on how one looks at things) but only experience of playing in such games and learning from mistakes will bring the lads on and continue our ongoing improvement.

Match 2: Hull Ionians 14 - 19 Doncaster

Match 3: Derby 42 - 00 Doncaster

Tries: Shane Purcell 2, Tom Summerscales, Jim Wigglesworth, George Sutherland, Tom Memmory

Cons: Ollie Walton 6

The boys were back to their best against Doncaster who were possibly tired after playing Hull but had maybe flattered to deceive against a tired Hull side after their rumbustuous match against Derby

We played  some outstanding rugby at times and it demonstrated again the slightly stuttering start to the season that we have enjoyed so far. Birthday boy Tom Summerscales had an outstanding first half winning the lineouts, making a surging run from a restart and capping it all with a driving try. Shane Purcell scored two typical, dynamic, bursting tries and Jim Wigglesworth danced over with a typical Jim Wigglesworth try having gone round most of the opposition and then through a gap for good measure.

In some respects the second half was more pleasing as again we changed the team completely around for the second half and managed to score 2 more tries, uphill, against some fresher, more experienced Doncaster players. Tom Memmory scored a well taken, individual try, crashing over, whilst George Sutherland will have done his confidence no harm by scoring the final try. Josh Pearson revelled in his favourite scrum half position whilst Tom Marshall was superb at full back making some fantastically timed runs into the line and was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet, just a bit more confidence Tom to make those last few yards and over the line.

Overall, I thought Ollie Walton was our 'Man of the Day' with some excellent controlled kicking, running with the ball, bringing players into the game, playmaking, tackling and general maturity which seems to be developing as he grows into the fly half position.

ANYONE WHO PLAYED WHO I HAVEN'T SINGLED OUT--YOU WERE ALL SUPERB TODAY !

Many thanks to our magnificent parents and families for their support once again who made the misty trek to Hull . Thanks to Mrs Pearson for kit washing duties--she has obviously chosen her turn well as owing to the superb quality of the pitch there isn't much mud to wash out !

I think our decision to travel further a field was thoroughly justified in enabling us to play some quality opposition. Many thanks to our hosts, Hull Ionians, for their facilities and hospitality and we look forward to entertaining them at our festival and in hopefully securing an annual fixture from now on.

Well Done Boys. Bring on Melbourne next week !

ALL OTHER SQUAD MEMBERS - matches v Burton at Burton Rugby Club - meet Burton Rugby Club -10am -map on website.