In the U9 Tigers Squad for the NLD festival were Loz Traynor, Jack Bates, Rhian ‘O’ Callaghan, Daniel Lewis, Gareth Sandbrook, Tom Mycroft, Joe Martin, Callum Carmichael, Lewis Raynor, William ‘O’ Brien, Finn Kelly, Theo Frixou.  

The Tigers were in League One of the competition. They unluckily lost the first game of the day by one try to nil against Bakewell. Derby had all the possession and territory but Bakewell got a lucky breakaway try in an unexpected short game of only 7 mins ‘one way’!  

So the U9s moved onto the Plate competition. They had to win the next 3 games against Newark, Lincoln, and Southwell to get to the semi finals. The Tigers convincingly won all three games with some great forward runs, drives, and occasionally unselfish passing! Their defence and tackling was excellent, keeping out some determined opposition but occasionally giving away penalties through over zealous action!  

Next came the semi final against our arch rivals Nottingham. The game was played on what was a very large and windy pitch. The Tigers won the game two trys to nil – one being scored in each half.  

So onto the final against Scunthorpe . It was a fiercely contested match with Derby winning on territory and possession but ending scoreless at full time. Extra time was played  with the ‘Golden Try’ rule. Derby immediately attacked from their kick off and it did not take long for Tom Mycroft to cross the line. Derby had won the Final!!  

Try scorers, from what I can remember on the day were Loz Traynor, Jack Bates, Daniel Lewis, Joe Martin, Tom Mycroft and Theo Frixou. Please forgive me if I have forgotten anyone else!!  

Heineken Cup…………who needs it? Well done to all the Derby U9 Squad who played and won eight out of nine games on the day.