For the last fixture of the season a short trip up the A6 beckoned with a return to a normal fixture after a long period of festival rugby that had clearly taken its toll.  With 7 of the Tigers backs unavailable for a variety of reasons the squad had an unfamiliar look to it but the result was the same – committed, exciting, free-flowing rugby. 

It was agreed to play as a Stags side and Alistair Wolff had the luxury of some Tigers forwards to bolster the pack along with a guest appearance from George Castledine in the backs. 

To accommodate all the players it was agreed to play four 10 minute sessions and our thanks to Matlock for providing determined opposition. 

Match 1        Derby 14 – 00 Matlock 

In the first match a strong line up was selected and almost the whole match was played in the Matlock half of the pitch with the Derby forwards making inroads into the defence before unleashing the backs.  The backs also enjoyed the opportunity to run kicks back at the home side. 

The Stags took the lead when Wolff took a tap penalty and shimmied over for a try converted by Castledine.  Despite all their territorial advantage Derby were unable to add to the score until the last minute when Chris Burns caught a clearance kick and surged over in the corner for his first try for the club.  Castledine again converting.

Team:   Harvey Baines, James Brentnall, Reece Harrison, Declan McManus, Joe Dawes, Marcus Axelson, Alistair Wolff, Alex Ham, George Castledine, Tom Mellor, Chris Burns, Alex Barbour, Harry Young 

Match 2        Derby 05 – 07 Matlock 

The second game was much more evenly contested with Matlock looking far more dangerous while the Derby team had a more experimental look with Harry Burns making his debut and Chris Burns (no relation) starting at scrum half. 

Matlock took the lead through a well worked try but Derby came back and scored when Will Skeates bludgeoned his way over from a tap penalty.  Unfortunately the conversion was missed. 

Team:  Harry Burns, Rhys Falconbridge, Will Skeates, Kaan Dalkic, Thomas Doyle, Jamie Twigg, Chris Burns, George Castledine, Tom Mellor, Dominic Murray, John Brunt, Jack Drayton, Joe Giles 

Match 3        Derby 00 – 00 Matlock 

The third session was a scoreless draw but was still an enthralling contest with defences on top, this was perhaps best demonstrated by two shuddering tackles from the man mountain Jack Drayton. 

Team: Joe Donahue, James Brentnall, Ales Szrejder, Max Cook, Joe Dawes, Declan McManus, Alistair Wolff, Alex Ham, Marcus Axelson, Joe Giles, Alex Barbour, Jack Drayton, Harry Young 

Match 4        Derby 14 – 00 Matlock 

In the last match the Derby side had a more familiar look compared to the experimental line-ups of the previous games and they immediately began to ask questions of the Matlock defence. 

The first try came when Alistair Wolff opted for the scrum rather than the kick when awarded a penalty close to the Matlock line and prompted broke blind to burrow over and score. 

The second try also came from a penalty when George Castledine took the ball and set off on one of his trademark determined, mazy runs from 20 metres out and broke numerous tackles from a tiring Matlock team to score. 

Castledine converted both tries.

Overall another good workout with 26 players getting a match and all bodes well for next year with the move to junior rugby and big pitches.  By way of preparation the squad played a 10 minute session on the Matlock first team pitch. 

So another season draws to a close except for an appointment with Hertford at Twickenham at the end of May.  A big thank you to all the players for their efforts this season – the squad now numbers 40!   

Also a big thank you to all the coaches for their input and support, and to Eddie Skeates for outstanding medical support to both squads this season. 

Twickenham here we come! 

The reply was instant with George Tresidder collecting the re-start and running clear to score. Derby almost scored from the next re-start too. George Castledine caught the kick this time, kicked long and gave chase. He looked set to score after getting a good bounce but was bundled into touch before reaching the try-line. 

Derby began to dominate in the second-half with good all-round rugby. Lincoln however, were employing an effective rush defence making life difficult for Derby. Unusually a second interception try was scored – this time in Derby`s favour by George Castledine. 

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Group B – Game 2 – Derby Tigers 05 - 05 Mellish 

Derby kicked off allowing Mellish to attack immediately – poor defending giving them a very quick try. The remainder of the half was all Derby. Excellent ball retention and recycling produced chances for both Georges and a try for Tom Kent who skipped through a gap in the defence for the equaliser. 

Mellish started the second-half in determined mood and gradually made their way towards the Derby line. Time after time they were repelled by Derby`s defence with some big tackles by Myles Costello and Jack Drayton. Mellish were actually held up over Derby`s try-line and then continued the pressure with three scrums 5m from the line. The ball was eventually kicked clear and the whistle went to end a well fought, evenly-balanced game. 

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Group B – Game 3 – Derby Tigers 10 - 00 Nottingham 

Derby kicked off, won the following ruck and forced a line-out 5m from the Nottingham line. A great take by Harvey Baines was quickly moved out to the backs for Tom Kent and Nick Rigg to combine to put George Castledine in for a try. Luke McNeilly, playing on the wing, then had the first of two good runs, before linking up with Joe Wright. The ball was then recycled several times before Kent and Rigg again created space for George Castledine to score his second. 

The second –half was all Derby but they just couldn`t score again. Excellent line-out work from Skeates and Baines was providing plenty of ball but to no avail - Castledine, Kent and Big Jack Drayton all going close to scoring. 

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Cup Semi-Final – Derby Tigers 00 - 15 Paviors 

Having hung around for hours to play the three group games Derby were now given two minutes notice of their semi-final kick off – not exactly ideal preparation! Coupled with injury problems that gave a much weakened team, this was always going to be a difficult task against a side looking to avenge several recent defeats at the hands of this Derby team. 

After a spell of aerial ping-pong Paviors settled and began to put Derby under pressure. From a good maul they peeled off and crashed over. Immediate possession from the re-start saw a second try soon scored – good handling creating a good score. 

The second-half started positively for Derby who got themselves into the Paviors half and produced several phases of attacking rugby. This was disrupted when George Castledine had to leave the field injured and with no more available players the game was reduced to 12 a-side. With Paviors back on top they scored a third. Their full-back took the ball at full tilt cutting back into space and bursting through several very tired looking tacklers to touch down. 

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Squad : Reece Harrison, Will Skeates, James Brentnall, Harvey Baines, Tom Doyle, Declan McManus, Joe Dawes, Luke McNeilly, Myles Costello, Tom Kent, George Castledine, David Eades, Nick Rigg, Joseph Wright, George Tresidder, Jack Drayton

Report by Rufus T Firefly for The Marx Brothers News Syndicate

Derby Stags Festival Report 

Going to a Festival as the only second team attending is a huge ask with the knowledge that every game will be against someone else’s first team.  For the fourth time this season this is what the Stags were asked to do, for the fourth time this season this is what they did, and for the fourth time this season they have emerged with huge credit and with their reputation enhanced.  They have demonstrated to every team they played that they are a determined, committed group of players who are 100% heart, never stop trying and a credit to the club. 

In the backs Alex Ham, Harry Young, Alex Barbour and Tom Mellor showed they had the pace and running skills to trouble many defences and should be looking forward to the large pitches that beckon next year.  Joe Booth showed a determination that belied his lack of stature and demonstrated he is quite happy in the thick of it at scrum half while Miles Newham and Matt Drayton never hid, made their tackles and played their hearts out. 

Talking of hearts, every team needs one.  And the heart of this team is Alistair Wolff, scrum half, captain and motivator par excellence.  All season he has help meld the team, making new players feel welcome, accepting changes in line ups as just one of those things, played an expansive game where possible but never shirked responsibility and often came off the pitch hoarse from cajoling his forwards to intensify their efforts. 

While commenting on players it is important to mention the regular Stags players who weren’t there at Ilkeston but have played their part all season.  The likes of Barnaby Parkes, Taz Moulton and Matthew Rowley have all been stalwarts of the squad along with Jack Drayton and Joe Dawes who were selected for the Tigers at the last two festivals. 

And this brings me to the final point.  The success of the Tigers this season is due in no small part to the efforts of the Stags.  A competitive Stags side has helped the Tigers develop and many Stags players have played for the Tigers making an often seamless transition into the higher level of rugby. 

So what about the results? 

Pool Games 

Ashfield 05 – 05 Stags 

In the first pool game the Stags really took the game to their opponents and dominated proceedings through out most of the first half and Harry Young was unlucky to have a try disallowed before Alex Ham crossed the line in style after a searing break, taking two defenders with him.  Just before half time Ashfield squeezed over to equalise. 

The second half was a much tighter encounter with defences generally on top but the Stags came closer to scoring but were unable to finish off a number of promising passages of play. 

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Stags 05 – 20 Ilkeston 

When you play Ilkeston you know what you are going to get – a determined forward effort based on a well-drilled pack.  And that is what we got and despite knowing what to expect the Stags were caught cold and conceded two tries before they really started playing. 

Once they started playing they more than matched their opponents, winning good possession and driving Ilkeston off the ball.  From one piece of determined play substitute scrum half Joe Booth smashed his way over to close the gap. 

In the second half Ilkeston’s superior organisation and technique began to pay off and despite determined defence two more tries were shipped to leave a final score which somewhat flattered the host club. 

Stags 00 - 05 Newark 

Last March Newark took the Tigers to extra time in the finals of the NLD under 11 cup.  This April there were made to work all the way to squeeze a narrow victory out of the Stags.  

This game saw the Stags up the effort and for most of the game they had the advantage but once again failed to score despite engineering some excellent opportunities. 

In the end Newark managed to breech the defences to score and put the Stags in the Vase tournament – a round Robin with Nottingham and Ashfield. 

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Vase Round Robin 

Stags 00 – 00 Ashfield 

The rematch with Ashfield was another tense affair played on the north face of the Eiger.  Despite dominating possession and territory the Stags where unable to cross the try line although Alex Ham came close in the dying seconds. 

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Nottingham 10 - 00 Stags 

Going into the final game the Stags knew a win would see them lift the trophy.  Unfortunately this was not to be as a determined Nottingham side squeezed a victory out in another titanic encounter.  A well worked try and a more dubious score gave Nottingham a significant advantage at half time but playing down the hill in the second half the Stags threw everything they had at their opponents but just could not get the score they so thoroughly deserved. 

Our congratulations to Nottingham for a good win, and thanks again for their generosity in lending us players at the Crosbie Memorial Festival.  Shame those players played so well against us in this match! 

Derby rallied somewhat in the second-half and began to create chances. With the hard ground allowing the ball to bounce Kent and Castledine began to put teasing kicks over and behind the Stoke defence. George Tresidder couldn`t quite reach one bouncing ball and was hauled back by a high tackle after catching another when a try looked certain. He did eventually score after quick hands had put him into space. With still two to beat he sprinted home to equalise. 

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Pool A – Game 2 – Derby Tigers 10 - 00 Ilkeston 

Derby put in a better performance in this second game. After a testing high kick-off the ball was recycled for Derby`s half-backs to combine to set George Tresidder off on a weaving run and an early score. Almost immediately Tresidder scored a second after intercepting a loose Ilkeston pass. 

From a promising start the second-half was a more even contest with scoring opportunities for both teams. Derby came closest from a penalty. The ball was moved wide to Joe Giles who was tackled over the try-line but was unable to ground the ball. 

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Pool A – Game 3 – Derby Tigers 10 - 05 Leicester Vipers 

Now this was a strange one! Vipers had turned up earlier with only six players and had been borrowing from other teams to make a full side. Derby probably thought that they would walk it but Vipers clearly had other ideas. Despite plenty of ball Derby couldn`t break through a dogged defence - Nick Rigg and George Castledine were both bundled into touch just short of the line. 

In the second-half Derby scored an early try. A Vipers penalty was kicked down George Tresidder`s throat who gratefully set off on a fine solo run to score. This was followed immediately by a Vipers equaliser!  

After a good run by David Eades, Jack Drayton looked certain to score in the corner but was halted by a try saving tackle. Tresidder then repeated his earlier effort to give a relieved Derby the victory. 

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Cup Semi-Final – Derby 05 - 05 Kettering 

This was Derby`s second meeting with Kettering this season having lost to them with an injury ravaged team back in February. The first-half was a very tight affair with only one clear chance for Derby that was wasted when the scoring pass wasn`t given. Good defensive work from both sides snuffed out everything else. 

Derby kicked off the second-half and scored immediately. With the defender being committed and the scoring pass given this time, George Tresidder waltzed over – more of the same please. Kettering came back at Derby with real intent. A sustained period of ball retention in Derby`s half resulted in an equalising try which the defence couldn`t prevent.  

The final whistle blew with the scores level. After a quick check on the rules it was discovered that Kettering would progress to the final by virtue of having scored more tries in the earlier games. Disappointing but rules are rules – hard luck Derby, good luck Kettering. 

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Squad: Reece Harrison, Alex Tomlinson, James Brentnall, Harvey Baines, George Groom, Tom Doyle, Declan McManus, Joe Dawes, Myles Costello, Tom Kent, George Castledine, David Eades, Nick Rigg, Joseph Wright, George Tresidder, Joe Giles, Jack Drayton 

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Pool B – Game 2 – Derby Stags 00 - 10 Melbourne 

Unfortunately your intrepid reporter could not be in two places at once – he is good but not that good! Having tracked down a Stags season-ticket holder in the bar after the game, it transpired that Derby had held their own mostly but had ultimately lost to a slightly better team. Our No.1 fan did however, highlight the good all-round game of Derby`s fly-half, Albert Ham. 

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Pool B – Game 3 – Derby Stags 00 - 15 Kettering 

Derby`s third game was against another strong outfit but it turned out to be a very good effort despite the score-line of 0-15. Defensively Derby showed up well with particularly good tackling from Joe Booth and John Brunt who was carried from the pitch but later returned, thankfully unhurt.  

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Plate Semi-Final – Derby Stags 05 - 10 Ilkeston 

Ilkeston kicked off, caught the ball and were making in-roads on Derby`s try-line when a big tackle came in from Alex Barbour to halt the move. From the following line-out Ilkeston moved the ball wide but more solid defending saw them kept out. 

Ilkeston camped out in Derby`s 22 but couldn`t break the defence – Alistair Woolf twice relieving the pressure with good clearance kicks. On the stroke of half-time Derby again tried to clear their lines but the kick was charged down and quickly recycled for an Ilkeston try. 

More of the same in the second-half – Ilkeston pressure and determined Derby defence. Unfortunately a chink appeared and Ilkeston were through for their second try. To their credit Derby came straight back. Good ground was made by Marcus Axelson and Alex Barbour to create pressure in the Ilkeston 22. So much so that Ilkeston conceded a penalty which was quickly taken by Alistair Woolf who popped over for a consolation try at the end of the game. 

A hard mornings work in very testing circumstances – well done! 

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Squad: Joe Donahue, Kaan Dalkic, John Brunt, Tyrone Moulton, Barney Parkes, Max Cook, Jamie Twigge, Rhys Falconbridge, Alistair Woolf, Alex Ham, Dominic Murray, Chris Burns, Matt Drayton, Miles Newham, Harry Young, Alex Barbour, Joe Booth 

Derby`s opening game was against last years Cup winners and at half-time Derby found themselves three tries down. Worcester were a very good team - well drilled and organised with some talented individuals. Unfortunately, rather than adapting to the opposition, Derby tried to play there normal game and from the wrong areas of the pitch! 

After a half-time “talking to”, Derby`s performance improved in the second-half confining Worcester to just one further try. On reflection Derby were caught cold by a very slick side but the forward effort in particular would need to improve to ensure any degree of success at all.

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Derby 10 - 00 Northampton Old Scouts 

This second game couldn`t have got off to a better start. David Eades chased down the kick-off, pressured the covering defender and gratefully accepted the bouncing ball to touchdown in under 20 seconds - fastest try of the season? 

A second soon followed. Eades hoisted an “up and under” inside the opposition half. George Castledine followed up and stole the ball off the defender after tackling him. From the ensuing ruck Derby had space, which Tom Kent exploited with a simple dummy and touchdown. 

The second-half saw Old Scouts come back into the game but with Derby`s defence working well they were unable to get over the try-line. This had been a much better effort from Derby.

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Derby 05 - 10 Haslemere

Derby were again caught flat-footed by another well drilled side. A poor clearance led to Haslemere pressure which resulted in a try down the blind-side. Haslemere soon scored a second after a great piece of individual skill – a lovely offload out of the tackle kept a dying move alive for a try in the corner. 

In the second-half Derby pulled their socks up but found that Haslemere had a very strong defence. For their efforts they did score a consolation try near the end of the game. Having won a scrum against the head, Myles Costello nipped off down the blind-side to squeak in at the corner. 

It had been a rather unsatisfactory and frustrating day for both players and coaches alike. A big improvement would be needed tomorrow if Derby were to have a chance of repeating this groups U9`s trip to Twickenham in 2004.

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Saturday 7th. April 

The way this tournament is structured it opens itself up to the more inventive and tactically minded amongst the many coaches present. One win or one defeat can immediately put a new perspective on the process of getting to Twickenham! 

Derby 05 - 15 Richmond 

Today was when the term “squad effort” came into its own with some of the fringe players getting a chance to shine and with some of the regulars being asked to play out of position. Richmond ended the half 5-0 up but it had been a very spirited performance from Derby with the pack in particular several levels above what they had offered yesterday – Declan McManus, Marcus Axelson, Tom Doyle and George Groom showing up well in both the loose and set-piece play. 

Tom Mellor and Harry Young were showing us their potential on the wings and Nick Rigg was having the first of two outstanding games at full-back. Highlights were Myles Costello and George Castledine putting in two big tackles to stop Richmond`s huge winger!  

Although Derby were competing well and managed an equalising try through Harvey Baines, Richmond scored two further tries, the second of which was from a penalty move that would have graced any senior side!

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Derby 05 - 10 Ormskirk 

Derby`s kick-off was poor to say the least but they soon made amends with a series of telling attacks on the Ormskirk try-line. After a brief foray into the Derby half two Ormskirk attacks were calmly dealt with by Joe Wright and Nick Rigg who cleared the ball to safety. Derby took the lead through quick thinking play by Alistair Woolf who darted over via the blind-side of the scrum to give Derby a 5-0 half-time lead. 

Ormskirk`s second-half response was immediate. Having scythed through Derby`s midfield they secured a line-out 5m out. Quick hands saw the ball reach their big winger who touched down for the equaliser. Two minutes later saw a repeat with the same winger touching down to seal the victory. 

After two much improved performances Derby now knew their fate – a quarter-final against Dursley in the Bowl Competition. It was now a “lose and your out” situation – would Derby be able to raise their game yet again for this crucial knock-out phase?

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Bowl Quarter-Final - Derby 15 - 00 Dursley 

Derby looked good straight from the kick-off. James Brentnall caught the ball cleanly and fed on to George Castledine who hoofed the ball downfield. From the following line-out the ball was moved quickly and confidently ending with Castledine going over only for the referee to disallow the score! 

The line-out was one aspect that hadn`t worked too well yesterday but now Alex Tomlinson, Harvey Baines and Will Skeates were dominating and this gave Derby`s backs a steady supply of good, clean ball. Their defence was working well too - Dursley did threaten occasionally but any potential attack was soon snuffed out by Derby`s mid-field. 

Following another line-out steal from Will Skeates, Derby moved the ball to George Castledine who made ground up the left before switching the ball to the right via George Tresidder who took the perfect option of passing onto Tom Kent in space for the score in the corner. 

In the second-half Derby`s aggressive defence and cool-headed attacking play saw them getting on top of their opponents. Another probing run by Castledine was ended by a high tackle but instead of allowing advantage the referee cancelled out Will Skeates try! From the penalty, quick hands saw Myles Costello and George Tresidder put Joe Wright in at the corner. 

A third try was scored straight from the following kick-off. Castledine again kicked long and Tresidder and Wright gave chase. They put in a double hit on the ball carrier and stripped the ball off him. Tresidder then set off for the try-line to score unopposed. 15-0 to Derby and they were into the semi-final!

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Bowl Semi-Final – Derby 05 - 00 Wimbourne 

This semi-final started ominously for Derby with a knock-on from the Wimbourne kick-off. Derby`s defence soon cancelled out the following attack and a period of possession and territory followed. With the forwards winning ball and the backs using that ball well a try looked on the cards. Nick Rigg went close in one corner and Myles Costello was stopped just short in the other. 

Following a good tackle in midfield by David Eades, Derby were awarded a penalty. Quick hands along the backs gave Jim Brentnall the chance to force his way over from close range for the all-important opening try. Wimbourne came back at Derby but were met with some solid defending - the half ending as George Castledine launched a massive clearance kick into touch. 

The second-half began with a period of Wimbourne pressure – Castledine`s boot again relieving the tension. Derby`s own pressure, this time in defence, was a weapon that they used to turn defence into attack and one big hit from Joe Wright almost resulted in a try. It was a fast paced game with end-to-end action. One minute Nick Rigg was again going close in the corner and the next David Eades was kicking out of the danger zone and into touch. 

In the final two minutes Derby were defending a one try lead with Wimbourne desperately looking for an equaliser. From a scrum in midfield, Wimbourne attacked up the left hand side. One of their big forwards was heading for the try-line for what looked like a certain score only to be brought down by a try-saving tackle by Tom Kent, just inches short! The referee, who had been playing advantage, brought play back for a penalty to Wimbourne. The ball was tapped and passed to a charging player who appeared to get himself over the try-line but was denied the score by the referee who quite rightly called a “double-movement” - penalty to Derby. After a quick check with the referee regarding the time left, the ball was kicked off the park. Game over - Twickenham here we come! 

Squad : Reece Harrison, Will Skeates, James Brentnall, Alex Tomlinson, Harvey Baines, George Groom, Tom Doyle, Declan McManus, Marcus Axelson, Myles Costello, Tom Kent, George Castledine, David Eades, Joseph Wright, Nick Rigg, George Tresidder, Alistair Wolff, Tom Mellor, Harry Young 

David Crosbie Memorial Tournament at Paviors RFC 

Pool game 1 – Derby v Doncaster 

Derby received the kick-off and within seconds were winning the ball at a Doncaster line-out 5m from their try-line. After a wave of several attacks, the ball was kicked deep into the corner with Myles Costello following up fast to touch down. 

Derby`s no.10 again chipped over the oncoming defence. Jack Drayton chased hard, gathered the loose ball and set off for the try-line only to be denied a score by a last ditch tackle 1m short. Despite plenty of possession and pressure Doncaster held firm for the remainder of the half. 

The second-half was pretty even and ultimately scoreless. Derby had played well but could have played a lot better - especially in the rucks! 

Result – Derby 5 - 0 Doncaster

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Pool game 2 – Derby v Ilkeston 

Derby started this game by flying straight into their opponents. Moving up the field quickly they were awarded a penalty 5m from the try-line which Reece Harrison made light work of to claim the opening score. They then dominated the remainder of the half but couldn`t quite get a second try. 

As the second-half began Derby stepped up a gear. Dominant forward play enabled Derby`s backs to show off their moves. Firstly, Joe Wright burst into the line from full-back to set up a second try for Reece Harrison. Next up were Tom Kent and George Castledine who dummied and inter-passed their way towards the try-line before popping the ball to Harvey Baines who crashed over. The last try was a gem. The pack had secured good ball 5m out and it was quickly passed back to Tom Kent who looked up to see a fast approaching defence without it`s full-back. A pin-point kick aimed at the corner was scooped up by Tom Mellor for the score. 

A much improved performance that had put Derby into the Final Round and a chance to win yet another trophy. 

Result – Derby 20 - 00 Ilkeston 

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Finals group game 1 – Derby v Loughborough 

Derby were now in a “round-robin” group with Loughborough and Lutterworth – top the group to win the tournament. However, this is where things started going badly. After soaking up a period of Loughborough pressure, Derby`s fly-half, Tom Kent, was hit by a late tackle as he cleared the ball upfield and into touch. Having banged his head on the hard ground he left the field to take no further part in the day. It was no surprise that in the following minutes Loughborough took the lead but going behind and the re-shuffling of the team seemed to galvanise Derby who rallied in the second-half to equalise. Good possession and movement had put Loughborough under pressure. From a ruck Marcus Axelson made ground before off-loading to Tom Mellor who scored the equaliser.  

Further injuries saw Derby literally limping towards the final whistle. Luke McNeilly sustained a nasty looking knee injury and had to be helped off the field whilst Myles Costello ended the game with badly bruised ribs. Looking ahead past the next game, these injuries were a worry with the Gullivers Tournament coming up at Easter! 

Result – Derby 5 - 5 Loughborough 

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Finals group game 2 – Derby v Lutterworth 

With the three injuries from the previous game and a match-day squad that was already low on numbers it was decided that Derby would not be able to play this game. The organisers then kindly agreed to let Derby use players from another club so it was with cap in hand that Nottingham were approached. We must offer our thanks here to our friends along the A52 who gladly lent us the services of a scrum-half, centre and wing – thank-you boys! 

A combination of the injuries and changes in personnel went a long way to ensuring a nervous and disjointed start for Derby. Lutterworth are indeed a good side but they have the edge over a lot of teams because of one exceptional player – their outside-centre. He claimed two tries, one an outrageous effort from his own try-line, to give them a 10-0 lead at half-time. 

To their credit Derby did not fold. In fact they upped their efforts and the make-shift side began to click. Lutterworth were denied any further tries by some outstanding defensive work and just before the end their on-loan scrum-half bagged a try to cap a fine all-round performance. 

A bit of a strange day in the end but well done to everyone! 

Result – Derby 5 - 10 Lutterworth 

Squad :- Reece Harrison, Will Skeates, James Brentnall, Luke McNeilly, Harvey Baines, George Groom, Tom Doyle, Marcus Axelson, Alex Tomlinson, Myles Costello, Tom Kent, George Castledine, Joseph Wright, Joe Giles, Jack Drayton, Tom Mellor 

Derby Tigers NLD Finals Report 

Game 1 – Derby 05 - 00 Paviors 

The first-half was spent almost entirely in the opposition`s half of the pitch. Good scrummaging and line-out work was providing plenty of ball but a combination of errors and resolute defending meant that Derby`s efforts had come to nothing at half-time. 0-0. 

Derby began the second-half where they had left off. The forwards now had the edge on their opponents pack and the backs were beginning to click. One particularly good move, started by David Eades and involving several pairs of hands, ended with George Tressider scoring only for the referee to disallow the try for an earlier offence! 

Another good passage of play began when Harvey Baines took a clean catch in the line-out. After a short drive and a clean ruck, Derby`s fly-half dummied, made 15m and off-loaded to his supporting centre who made further ground. The ball was quickly recycled to a waiting George Tressider who lost the ball going over the try-line! 

Moments later, more Derby pressure produced another scoring opportunity. Several phases of play found Derby camped on the Paviors try-line with their defence in disarray. Tom Kent sniffed an opening and dived for the line only to be met with a nasty looking bang to the face – surely a try would come soon! 

Inevitably it did. From a tapped penalty the ball was moved out wide to George Tressider who jinked his way over to score the all-important try with less than a minute remaining! 

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Game 2 – Derby 05 - 00 Lincoln

Now this was a strange one. Paviors had beaten Lincoln 25 - 00 in the opening game and then Derby had beaten Paviors. The formbook therefore pointed to a comfortable game for Derby but it wasn`t to be. They started slowly, under-performed and were probably lucky to come away with a win! 

The first-half was really a repeat of the Paviors game – territory and possession but no points! Things did begin to look slightly better as the second-half progressed. 

Myles Costello snatched up a loose ball from a line-out and from the driving maul that followed, Will Skeates went over – or did he? Again the referee disallowed the try! Derby attacked again – George Castledine and George Tressider making headway before Harvey Baines, being close at hand, went over for the try that put Derby into the semis. 

It had been a rather disappointing display. If Derby had thoughts of further progress in this tournament then they would have to improve greatly on this performance. 

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Semi-Final – Derby 10 - 05 Mellish 

After some straight talking from their coaches, it was hoped that Derby would step up a gear for this match. From the kick-off it appeared that they had but Mellish were obviously looking ahead towards the final too and they made life as difficult as possible as you would expect. 

Derby soon progressed towards the Mellish try-line. Several phases of play saw them in a near perfect position – good ball then found Tom Kent who looked up to see a “three on two” situation. Two quick passes later and Nick Rigg was in at the corner – simple! Despite pressure from Mellish, Derby`s tackling and defensive touch-line kicking was more than up to the task. 

Mellish contrived to kick away possession in the middle of the pitch. The ball was caught by George Tressider who then scampered his way up the blind-side to score Derby`s second try. Mellish to their credit were not going to give up and came straight back at Derby with a score of their own. Too little too late I`m afraid – the whistle for full-time sounding almost immediately after. 

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Final – Derby 10 - 00 Southwell 

To reach the final the Derby boys had raised their game and responded well. To become NLD champions for a second year running they would have to improve again against Southwell. 

The game started ominously well for Southwell. They maintained possession and looked to attack from wherever they were on the pitch. Given two penalties inside the opposition half they ran both straight back as Derby defended their try-line. It was at this point, without any points for their efforts, that Southwell found themselves on the back foot for the first time in the game.After the ball was cleared out of defence, Derby made rapid progress towards the Southwell try-line. Myles Costello was held up 1m short but Harvey Baines was on hand, yet again, to go over for the score. 

Derby found themselves defending again as Southwell rallied, but excellent work from Myles Costello, Reece Harrison, Tom Kent and Joe Wright got Derby out trouble and relieved the pressure. Half-time 5-0. 

The second half was really quite tight with some exciting exchanges between the two teams. As the game was coming to an end, Derby conjured up one last try. A line-out won, 5m from the Southwell try-line ended up with the ball again being held up over the line but Myles Costello was alert to the chance and snatched up the ball for an easy score. 

In the dying seconds Southwell pressed for what would have been a deserved try but the ball was kicked off the park to bring the final whistle and the title of “NLD Champions”! 

Squad : Reece Harrison, Will Skeates, James Brentnall, Luke McNeilly, Harvey Baines, George Groom, Tom Doyle, Declan McManus, Myles Costello, Tom Kent, George Castledine, David Eades, Nick Rigg, Joseph Wright, George Tressider, Joe Giles, Joe Booth 

For the second year running this group of boys are the “NLD Champions” – sounds good doesn`t it? Winning events like this one is a huge reward for the players, coaches and parents alike – well done to all - Gullivers here we come! 

Report by Paul Ackford for The Sunday Telegraph

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Derby Stags NLD Finals Report 

The second half followed much the same pattern, Stags winning plenty of ball but unable to do anything with it. Midway through the half a period of unremitting Ilkeston pressure led to their centre forcing his way through to score. Stags prevented any further scores with some determined defensive play but the backs never managed any sustained possession. Those watching from the sidelines found it frustrating to see the boys dragged into a midfield tussle whilst acres of space were going begging on the wings!  

Defeat by two tries to nil was a disappointing result given that earlier in the season Stags had twice managed to hold Ilkeston to a draw. If they were to get anywhere in the competition, they would have to perform better in the next match against a side that had already beaten Ilkeston by a similar score. 

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League 4, Game 2: Derby Stags 00 – 10 Mellish

It soon became clear that Mellish, whilst also averaging 50% extra weight per player when compared to the Stags, were a much more mobile, attacking outfit than Ilkeston.  Their first try was scored shortly after the start of the game.  A short while later, Mellish gained possession from a scrum just inside the Stags half and after two quick passes their centre was away, breaking several tackles to score a second try in the corner.  Derby onlookers began to fear a rout. It never came, thank goodness!   

Somehow the Stags managed to hang on for the rest of the game without conceding another try.  This was despite picking up a couple of injuries to key players and being camped, for the majority of the second half, well within their own half.  Survival was achieved through improved tackling all round and competitive performance by the forwards in rucks, mauls and set pieces. Derby continued to win ball from both scrums and lineouts but once again play continued to break down quickly and the nippy Stags backs failed to gain any sustained possession.   

After two disappointing defeats, coaches and parents worked hard to improve the morale of the team, pointing out that there was still a trophy to be won! – the NLD Shield. 

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Shield Semi Final: Derby Stags 00 – 05 Lincoln

Even after a few minutes of this game it was clear that the motivation of the Stags players had increased 100%.  Unfortunately they conceded an early opportunist try due to what would turn out to be their last defensive lapse of the tournament.  From this point forwards the Stags put in their best performance of the day in a well matched game against determined opposition.   

A switch of positions amongst the backs contributed to a stronger performance in the second half, the majority of which was played up the Lincoln end of the field.  The forwards continually outperformed their Lincoln counterparts in set pieces and, at last, the Derby backs were able to make some use of the ball.  However, Lincoln put up the kind of gritty defensive show that has typified many of the Stags own performances this season. 

Derby came close to scoring on two occasions.  Set up by scrum half Alistair Wolff, Marcus Axelson set off on a diagonal bull-like charge, being stopped just short of the line by a gaggle of Lincoln players. Shortly afterwards, Joe Dawes made a great steal at a lineout, crashed through the opposition forwards and stretched his long legs for the line – had he been wearing a tighter shirt he might have made it as it was only by hanging on like grim death to that piece of Joe’s apparel that a Lincoln defender was able to stop him!  The minutes ticked away, the try that had looked likely for the Stags never came and Lincoln progressed to win the Shield final.   

It was at least heartening that the Stags should end a disappointing day against strong sides with by far their most competitive performance - they left the field with their heads held high. Many of the team then stayed on to cheer their club team-mates to victory in the cup semi-final and final.   

Squad: Alex Tomlinson, Alex Szrejder, Joe Dawes, Marcus Axelson, Max Cook, Tyrone Moulton, Alistair Wolff, Alex Ham, Chris Burns, Tom Mellor, Jack Drayton, Alex Barbour, Harry Young, John Brunt, Kaan Dalkic, Barney Parkes, Dominic Murray. 

Report by Bill Wyman for NME

Additional comment: It is important to put the Stags performance in content.  The team contained 5 players who only began playing rugby this season.  They were the only second team to reach the finals day.  At the qualifying tournament they beat two club first teams, drew with two others and the heaviest defeat was to their own first team! 

On finals day they competed hard and were never outplayed.  They contested every agme and in the semi-final certainly enjoyed territorial dominance which on another day would have lead to a try. 

The Stags can be proud of their achievements and should look forward to further successes.  There is nothing to be disappointed about!! 

Derby`s U12`s Tigers squad travelled to Melton Mowbray for a three-way affair with the home team and their other visitors, Lutterworth. After the warm spring-like weather of recent weeks we were all shocked to find ourselves in the grip of a strong, icy wind that dropped occasional flurries of snow and hail! 

Game 1: Lutterworth 15 - 15 Derby Tigers

An interesting prospect here as these two teams had not met before. Lutterworth were unbeaten this season and Derby had only one injury-blighted blemish on their record. 

Seemingly unaffected by the conditions Derby could not have got off to a better start. George Castledine collected the Lutterworth kick-off and drove into the oncoming forwards. Derby`s pack were straight in to support and to ensure quick, clean ball came back. Tom Kent kicked long to the opposite corner and before the ball could bobble into touch, George Tressider scooped it up and touched down for Derby`s fastest try this season. 60 seconds – 5-0! 

Lutterworth came straight back at Derby with the next few minutes being nip and tuck. Derby`s rucking was excellent and they were moving the ball about the pitch by hand and by boot, all in the right areas. From a secured 5m line-out Lutterworth went blind to squeeze in at the corner. 5-5. 

In reply Derby strung together several good passages of play and were putting Lutterworth under enormous pressure. It was no surprise when they scored a second try. With the forwards dominant and making good ground up the middle of the pitch, the ball was moved wide quickly through the hands of 9, 10, and 12 for George Tressider to run in the easiest of tries – the good work being in the creation not the scoring. 10-5. 

Lutterworth, to their credit, came back again. They had two dangerous looking runners at 10 and 13 and for the most part they had been tackled out of the game. On this occasion their outside-centre created a try out of very little space, scoring in the corner. Half-time 10-10. 

The second half didn`t quite live up to the first with both sides cancelling each other out but with the Lutterworth boys showing signs of losing their discipline, Derby took advantage. The ball had been moved gradually towards the Lutterworth try-line. Myles Costello popped out of the maul looking like he would score only to be stripped of the ball by a defender. However, he wasn`t going to be denied so easily and set about winning it back. The defender unbelievably lost control of the ball giving Costello the easy task of touching down. 15-10. 

The game was almost at an end with a Derby victory in sight, when the Lutterworth 13 once again produced something special out of nowhere. He had picked up a loose ball inside his own half and set off at full tilt up the wing. Five seconds later he had managed to sidestep and swerve his way to the line for an equalising score as the whistle went for full-time.15-15. We later discovered that this boy was a County sprint champion and was currently training with Leicester Tigers academy!

Game 2: Melton Mowbray 10 - 30 Derby Tigers

The tone for this match appeared to be set straight from the kick-off. Melton started the game. The ball was caught cleanly by George Castledine who headed for space up the left hand side before chipping ahead over the oncoming defenders. Chasing his own kick he collected the kindly bouncing ball before touching down for the opening score. Another fastest try of the season?

Within a minute Derby had gone close to scoring and had added a second try. Tom Kent set off down the blind-side, beating two players before being held up on the line. From the following scrum the ball was moved swiftly and confidently out to the wing for George Tressider to run in. 2 minutes – 10-0. 

Derby`s forwards were in control in every area – line-outs, scrums, rucks and mauls. Harvey Baines and Will Skeates were dominating their opposite numbers, Jim Brentnall and George Groom were working tirelessly in the tight play and Tom Doyle and George Groom made ground on numerous occasions. 

Another passage of play which included good recycled ball from several rucks, again gave the backs time and space to spread the ball wide giving Castledine his second try of the game. 15-0. 

At a scrum 10m from the Melton line, Costello and Kent went blind. The ball was moved quickly to Tressider but Joe Wright was held up just short and from the ensuing ruck a penalty was awarded to Derby. A quick tap was given to Harvey Baines who again was held up on the try-line. However, Will Skeates reacted quickly and picked up the loose ball before driving over. Half-time 20-0.  

Playing the second-half up a slight incline didn`t do anything to impede Derby`s progress. More of the same presented numerous scoring opportunities with both Joe Wright and Will Skeates going close but being denied by some last ditch cover tackling. 

Two more tries were scored by Derby, the first of which was a cracker. From a scrum 15m out the Derby forwards took the ball from a Melton put-in. As the defensive midfield rushed up, fly-half Tom Kent kicked over their heads towards the corner. Tom Mellor was flying up his wing heading for the ball. He gathered, stepped inside the full-back and touched down to loud cheers. 25-0. 

It was here that Derby were caught out, not once but twice, as Melton took quick penalties. Having handed the ball to their opponents the Derby defence took too long to get back 7m and face up to the opposition. Both penalties were taken very quickly and both resulted in tries that Derby`s desperate defence couldn`t prevent. 25-10. Definitely something to work on in training! 

From this set-back Derby went straight back up the field and finished the game as they had stated it – scoring! Harvey Baines was held up on the try-line yet again but George Groom picked up and drove in before Baines himself ripped the ball out, rolling over to score. 

This had been an excellent performance from both backs and forwards - rucking, mauling, driving forward play and quality handling and kicking. Well done! 

Squad :- Will Skeates, James Brentnall, Luke McNeilly, Harvey Baines, George Groom, Tom Doyle, Myles Costello, Tom Kent, George Castledine, Nick Rigg, Tom Mellor, Joseph Wright, George Tressider 

Report by Postman Pat for The Greendale Telegraph

Derby`s U12 Stags welcomed an U12 squad from local school, West Park, Spondon. Played under floodlights, this was a mid-week rarity that gave both teams valuable match time prior to upcoming tournaments. The game had an added interest with the fact that the West Park side included a number of current Derby players! 

After an unusual kick-off from Derby, that was surely designed to confuse the opposition, they settled down immediately to put the visitors under sustained pressure. A particularly good maul, with Joe Dawes standing strong, saw Derby eventually pushed into touch 10m from the West Park try-line. Charging through on the loose throw, the ball was quickly recycled via Tyrone Moulton and Alex Ham but they were held up over the try-line. From the ensuing scrum Alistair Woolf went for the gap but he too was stopped just short. However, the ball was placed back and snatched up by John Brunt who drove over for the first score. 

West Park tried to attack Derby with limited possession but were mostly repelled by some determined tackling in particular from wingers Matt and Jack Drayton. 

After further pressure Derby again found themselves held up over the try-line. Once more from the following scrum the ball was won and moved quickly away to Alex Ham who burst through the defence to score. 

To their credit West Park continued to compete. They were doing well in both the scrums and line-outs and were also prepared to run the ball from anywhere on the pitch. Their efforts were rewarded when after working their way up to the Derby try-line they scored an opportunist try. The referee appeared to award a penalty to Derby but Dominic Murray took a quick tap and go, touching the ball down for the score! 

Another Derby try soon followed after an interesting passage of play. From inside his own half Alistair Woolf kicked deep into West Park territory. Alex Barbour gave chase, tackling the defender and forcing a knock-on. The tapped penalty was run in by Jim Brentnall but West Park secured the ball and kicked clear and long. Harry Young collected the kick and ran out of defence and over the halfway line. The ball was turned over and again West Park kicked clear. Once more Derby attacked with the move ending as George Castledine was held up short. Again for a third time the visitors cleared their lines with a long clearance kick. Having worked their way back immediately, Derby were awarded a scrum 5m from the try-line. The opportunity to score appeared to have gone when the scrum-half drove straight into a crowd of defenders but luckily the ball popped out for Castledine to go over from close range. 

A purple patch for Derby`s Luke McNeilly began soon after when he single-handedly took on the entire West Park pack in a maul and after wrestling like a tiger, emerged with ball. Derby were then awarded a penalty which McNeilly, like a runaway train, ran at the heart of the defence, crashing over the try-line but being denied the score that his efforts deserved. Injury forced him off the pitch eventually, leaving to the warm applause of the huge crowd. 

The game was really opening up now as it entered the closing period. End to end attacking rugby from Derby`s Alex Ham, Chris Burns and Harry Young was matched by West Park`s Tom Mellor and Nick Rigg, eager to better their Derby team-mates. Two particularly dangerous looking runs from Nick Rigg were snuffed out by two huge tackles from Jack “The Hitman” Drayton. 

The game ended with a second try for Alex Ham who, after running down the blind-side, evaded a couple of defenders to score in the corner. 

This had been a hugely enjoyable match for players, coaches and watching parents alike. Although West Park were the more inexperienced team they put up a very competitive and encouraging display – good luck to them in their future games. 

Squad :- Alex Szrejder, James Brentnall, John Brunt, Joe Donahue, Kaan Dalkic, Tyrone Moulton, Luke McNeilly, Joe Dawes, George Castledine, Alsitair Woolf, Alex Ham, Chris Burns, Jack Drayton, Alex Barbour, Matt Drayton, Harry Young. 

Game 1: Derby Tigers 21 - 12 Loughborough

The first match provided an enormous wake up call for the Tigers because a determined Loughborough side quite frankly put them to the sword and could easily have had the win sewn up within the first 10 minutes.  But to their credit, the Tigers rose to the challenge and once they woke up and realised they were allowed to compete were able to dictate play and carve out a satisfying win. 

From the kick-off Derby were put on the back foot and struggled to win any decent ball.  Despite James Brentnall taking the kick off, making good ground and presenting the ball well, the Loughborough pack arrived in sufficient numbers, with adequate aggression and superior positions and swatted the Derby pack out of the way. 

Only determined defence kept Loughborough at bay and Derby cleared their lines when the Loughborough scrum half ventured offside.  But from the lineout a lack of control meant poor ball was moved wide, the Derby backs were chased down by their opponents, ball was turned over and a soft score conceded.  The conversion was missed. 

Loughborough came straight back and soon added a second, thoroughly deserved try to leave the Tigers facing an uphill battle, 12-0 down after 6 minutes. 

Slowly the forwards started to win some ball and the Tigers ended the half with territorial advantage but possession was still slow, allowing the Loughborough defence to pressurise the Derby players who struggled to get across the gain line. 

At half time numerous changes were made and the pack at last began to match and then dominant their opponents with Alex Tomlinson and Declan McManus leading by example. 

With a better supply of ball, Alistair Wolff was able to get his backs moving and slowly Derby were able to build some sustained pressure helped by some good decision making and tactical kicking from the midfield backs and bludgeoning runs by Marcus Axelson and Will Skeates. 

Eventually the pressure was made to pay when good line out play by Axelson allowed him the space to thunder over with George Castledine adding the conversion. 

This lifted the Tigers who started to vary the options in attack making use of the time and space the forwards were now creating.  Wolff and David Eades nearly put George Tresidder away from one blindside move, and Tresidder was not to be denied for long and soon popped-up on the other wing to finish off a typically flowing passing move to score in the opposite corner.  Castledine’s conversion put Derby ahead – something that seemed unthinkable during the first half. 

For the last few minutes Derby kept their opponents pegged back with fly-half Tom Kent in particular pulling the strings and controlling the game.   

With the last move of the game, Eades put a pinpoint kick into the corner.  Some determined spoiling work at the lineout lead to a loose ball, which Axelson gratefully flopped down onto for his second score.  With Castledine adding his third conversion the Tigers had pulled ahead to secure a hard fought win and give the coaches a few challenges if not for the days second game then certainly for the coming weeks! 

Team :- Luke McNeilly, James Brentnall, Reece Harrison, George Groom, Harvey Baines, Marcus Axelson, Alex Tomlinson, Declan McManus, Will Skeates, Alistair Wolff, Tom Kent, David Eades, George Castledine, Nick Rigg, Chris Burns, George Tressider, Alex Ham. 

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Game 2: Derby Tigers 14 - 00 Loughborough 

After the “Jekyll and Hyde” performance of the first game we didn`t quite know what to expect for this second encounter. We imagined that Loughborough would be smarting after such an excellent start but having let Derby back into the game to snatch a win. With the Derby forwards now fully awake this turned out to be good game between two talented sides. 

From the Loughborough kick-off Tom Kent immediately put the away team under pressure when he returned the ball and found touch deep in the opposition half. Although Loughborough won the line-out their clearance kick was charged down on their own try-line. The loose ball could have gone anywhere but Loughborough managed to run out of defence and kick clear to safety. A good start! 

Derby`s forwards were now performing well in both the scrums and in securing loose ball at rucks. This gave scrum-half, Alistair Wollf more time and with better passing Derby`s backs were getting more opportunities to run with the ball. 

Slick hands saw George Castledine go over the try-line but the score was disallowed after the ball was adjudged as not grounded properly! Another try looked on the cards after George Tressider followed up a teasing kick to the corner but he was bundled into touch by an excellent last-ditch tackle. 

A loose line out and clearance kick was again charged down by Derby`s forwards. With the ball quickly recycled from the following ruck the ball was swiftly transferred through several pairs of hands to give Tressider a simple touch down and Derby a well-deserved 7-0 half-time lead. 

Loughborough were intent on coming straight back at Derby with attacking play of their own but were mostly rebuffed by some solid defending. When a ball was spilled in the midfield they quickly picked it up and looked to be creating a scoring move when Harry Young came in and felled the ball carrier, snuffing out the threat in the process. 

With the away team back in Derby territory again they were awarded a penalty after a stray Derby hand in a ruck! Only 5m out they tapped and charged at the try-line only to be met with by a solid defensive wall. The ball was dropped and Derby kicked clear with obvious relief. 

From the ensuing line-out on half-way the ball was moved out to David Eades who kicked accurately, under pressure, into the space ahead. With George Casteldine and Nick Rigg following up fast, the loose ball was pounced upon and moved away quickly. Castledine touched down and kicked his second conversion to give Derby a 14-0 victory. A victory that quite frankly didn`t seem possible at half-time during the first game! 

Thank-you to our visitors. It was apparent from the start that they were a talented and well-drilled side and from that perspective Derby can be pleased with the results but must be made aware that, as ever, there is always room for improvement! 

Team :- Luke McNeilly, Reece Harrison, Alex Tomlinson, George Groom, Harvey Baines, Marcus Axelson, Declan McManus, Will Skeates, Alistair Wolff, Tom Kent, David Eades, George Castledine, Nick Rigg, George Tressider, Harry Young. 

Game 1: Derby Stags 17 - 07 Chesterfield 

The Stags were on a roll after their recent good form and were looking forward to this return match after their impressive victory at Stonegravels earlier in the season. Chesterfield took the pitch fielding a bigger and heavier pack and with a secret weapon in their midfield! 

Derby`s forwards soon learnt not to get engaged in too tight a battle with their bigger opponents and tried at all times to produce good quick rucked ball for their half backs to get wide. They more than held their own in the scrums and also managed to steal more than their fair share of line-out ball with Joe Dawes and Marcus Axelson to the fore. 

The backs were having a good day too, with the ball being moved around and kept away from the Chesterfield forwards. Several good runs by Alex Barbour, Harry Young, Alex Ham and Tom Mellor saw Derby going close to scoring. The midfield defence was pretty solid and it certainly needed to be with one of the Chesterfield centres at least twice the size of Chris Burns and Tom Mellor! 

Derby`s tries were scored by Marcus Axelson and Tom Doyle who went over for a pair. All three scores were the result of superior multi-phase play which brought Derby closer and closer to their opponents try-line. 

Harry Young converted two of the tries scored to complete a good day with the boot. 

Another excellent performance from an ever improving team. The closeness of the score doesn`t really do justice to the difference between the two sides. 

Team: Alex Tomlinson, Alex Szrejder, Matt Rowley, Joe Dawes, Joe Donahue, Marcus Axelson, Max Cook, Tyrone Moulton, Thomas Doyle, Alistair Woolf, Alex Ham, Chris Burns, Tom Mellor, Matt Drayton, Myles Newham, Alex Barbour, Harry Young. 

Report by Roy of the Rovers for Tiger Comic 

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Game 2: Derby Tigers 49 - 07 Chesterfield  

The Tigers were given the chance for some much needed match practice when Chesterfield turned up with enough players for two teams.  The absence of four regulars meant a number of changes had to be made but this allowed some of the fringe players to get a run out in the side while some new combinations could be tested. 

With the pitch in excellent condition and with a dry, mild day everything was set for an expansive game despite the lack of space presented by 26 players on a postage stamp (roll on next year and full sized pitches!).  And the Tigers didn’t disappoint, running in six tries with four being scored by the wingers.  Regular left wing Joseph Wright may regret missing the match as his replacements ran in three tries between them. 

Chesterfield kicked off and their immense forward power was soon to the fore as they looked to drive Derby off the ball whenever it went into contact.  But the Derby game plan of playing the game deep in the opponents half and offloading meant that they were soon able to gain territorial advantage on the back of some excellent tactical kicking. 

The first try came from a spell of fast recycling which led to an overlap when Tom Kent drew in several defenders before the ball was moved to David Eades whose perfect pass gave Joe Giles a clear run to the line.  George Castledine added the first of his 6 conversions. 

Scrum half Myles Costello soon doubled the score when he darted over from a ruck close to the line. 

Chesterfield were continuing to make things difficult for the Derby pack and any poor technique in ball presentation or retention was punished and on more than one occasion the well-drilled Chesterfield pack made considerable ground through there well-executed rolling maul.  But when the ball was turned over the boot of Castledine, Kent and Eades ensured they were pinned back in their own half again. 

Before half time Derby ran in their third try when Castledine fed Nick Rigg who charged over in the corner. 

The second half started in much the same vein with the Tigers putting pace and width on the ball whenever possible  and a fourth try followed when Eades picked up a loose ball and straightened the attack before feeding Tom Mellor who left three defenders in his wake as he sped over. 

But Chesterfield came back strongly and scored a deserved try following another spell of powerful driving mauling which the Derby pack failed to stop soon enough. 

To make up for this, the forwards went up the other end and scored a try of their own although no one was too sure who scored, with both Declan McManus and Harvey Baines claiming the score. 

But there was no doubt who scored the last try which was also the best of the game.  Awarded a penalty close to the Chesterfield line, Derby elected to take the scrum. From quick ball a perfect “Eder” move was executed creating a huge overlap and allowing Castledine to put Mellor away for his second try.  

To round off proceedings Castledine popped over from close range to finish the scoring, much to the bemusement of the Chesterfield defence! 

This proved to be a hard work out with the score perhaps being a bit flattering.  However it gave several players a chance to show their value to the Tigers squad and Chris Burns to make his Tigers debut.  Competition for places is stronger than ever and it is good to see that the work on the training field is being translated into action on the pitch. 

There is still a way to go before this squad hits the performance levels the coaches believe it can do but they are certainly moving in the right direction. 

Team:  Alex Ham (Tom Mellor), Joe Giles, George Castledine, David Eades, Nick Rigg, Tom Kent (Chris Burns), Myles Costello, Declan McManus, Harvey Baines, Will Skeates, Reece Harrison, Luke McNeilly, Alex Tomlinson (Marcus Axelson). 

Derby`s U12 Stags squad travelled to Mansfield for the return fixture against their Nottinghamshire neighbours. In the home game earlier in the year the visitors had gone home with a well deserved 25 – 10 victory under their belts. After a decent days work at Kettering recently, it would be interesting to see if the Stags could turn the form-book on its head and claim an away win against Mansfield`s “A” team. 

With a lot of the pitches still being frozen the game was moved to the home teams 1^st XV pitch which was in excellent condition and looked ideal for some fast, open rugby. It was decided to play three separate sessions of 20 minutes each. 

Over the first ten minutes it became apparent that these Stags meant business. Playing safe and finding touch when necessary, keeping possession if needed and looking to attack wherever possible.