Qualifying Group Matches:

Belper 00 - 35 Derby Tigers

Derby Tigers 30 - 00 Kesteven

Mansfield 00 - 25 Derby Tigers

Newark  00 - 25 Derby Tigers

Semi-final: Derby Tigers 10 - 00 Paviors

Final: Derby Tigers 15 - 10 Kesteven

One of the main perks of playing at under 13s (in our first year of junior rugby) was the chance to play in a sevens tournament.  For the last few weeks, Wednesday night training has focused on getting a feel for just how different sevens rugby is and I’m pretty sure that all the lads in both the Tigers and Stags squad have enjoyed the experience.  The NLD sevens for the 13s age group was held at Ilkeston RFC on what promised to be a scorching day and a fitting end to the season.  Twenty teams from the NLD area were drawn in groups of four pools allowing each team to have a fair number of games with the first and second teams in the groups moving onto the cup and plate semi-finals / finals respectively. 

Group matches: The first match in the qualifying group saw Tigers pitched up against Belper who were run a bit ragged by some extremely fast running and good ball handling.  Two tries from Jake Roome with the first try scored straight from the kick-off by Ben Edmondson set the tone for the first half whilst a third score by Jake Roome, a first for Harry Rudkin and two tries from Bobby Carr sealed the match at 41 – 0.  Next up were Kesteven who suffered again with some fast breakaways, excellent handling and effective support play from everyone on the pitch. Tries from Harry Rudkin, Sam Martin & Ben Edmondson in the first half and three more in the second half from Luke Frixou and Jake Roome saw Tigers coast to a 42 – 0 win.  In the third match of the group Tigers were pitched up against a strong looking Mansfield side but Tigers quickly took control with tries from Ben E, Tom Hicks and Jake Roome in the first half and two tries in the second from Luke Frixou.  Newark provided the opposition for the last qualifying group match which saw Tigers continuing in the same vein as the previous matches running out comfortable winners with tries from Tom Hicks, Luke Frixou, Bobby Carr and Jake Roome.

All in all the group matches were pretty convincing to say the least with Tigers looking like one of the few teams who were playing sevens rugby as opposed to 15 a side with fewer players.  A strong pool of players for the Tigers ensured that substitutions made a difference in piling on the pressure on teams and that each player could produce maximum effort with plenty of time to recuperate and recover.  The displays in the group matches were characterised by some great handling and support play, dazzling speedy runs and fantastic handling and off-loading in the tackle. 

The semi-final saw Tigers up against a Paviors side who looked as if they were up for a high-intensity game after winning their pool and defeating Nottingham in the process.  A somewhat shaky first half seemed to bring about some confusion as to what needed to be done to score (i.e get the ball out wide and avoid contact) and a tense tone was set for the game.  After a bit of a break at half time (and a reflection on what our game plan actually was!) Tigers seemed to get back on track, eventually winning over Paviors by a couple of tries (scored by Ben E and Harry Rudkin) and one conversion to nil. 

With no tries conceded in their previous five matches, Tigers met Kesteven in the final and straight from the start were under some significant pressure, losing a try in the first minute and a second one midway through the half due to some basic errors.  Tigers managed to get a try back before the end of the first half but it looked a bit shaky and not half as determined and positive as play in the games which preceded it.  In the second half however Tigers came out with renewed vigour again (with a wholly different attitude) to take the game by the scruff of the neck and score two further tries (from Ben E and Tom Hicks) to seal the game. 

Tigers’ games in the tournament were convincing and extremely encouraging playing some great sevens rugby.  From a coaches perspective the real impressive elements of their performance on the day were not just their standard of play (which showed great maturity, confidence and skill levels) but their commitment and responsibility in knowing what had to be done and going out and doing it.  An impressive end to the season for Tigers that bodes well for U14s – roll on September!

SQUAD: Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Tom HICKS; Findley HOLLAND; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Charles POPP; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON;

Qualifying Group Matches:

Monmouth 0 Derby Tigers 22

Derby Tigers 28 Penrith 0

Doncaster 0 Derby Tigers 19

Canterbury 5 Derby Tigers 12

Final Play-off

Derby 10 Canterbury 7

Scorers for Monmouth match: Tom Richardson (1T); Lewis Madeley (1T); Luke Frixou (1T); Tom Hicks (1T); Sam Martin (1C)

The second match in the qualifying group saw Tigers pitched up against Penrith, who as a club were well represented across all the age groups in the national finals.  A scrum straight from the start of play saw some good backline play before Tom Hicks snuck in for the first try of the game.  Following closely afterwards, at a scrum on the half way line, Tom Hicks raced in for his second try of the game.  In the second half two excellent scores from Ben Edmundsen and Finlay Holland all but sealed the match for Tigers.  A final try came just before the end of the match from a move which started on our own 22 metre line and ended with Jake Roome dashing in for a score.

Scorers for Penrith match: Ben Edmundsen (1T); Finlay Holland (1T); Jake Roome (1T); Tom Hicks (2T); Sam Martin (1C)

After some well needed rest and recuperation, Tigers third match saw them matched up against Doncaster.  A much tighter affair than the previous two matches, Tigers scored early-on following a neat cross-field kick and some fine soccer dribbling skills from both Charles Popp and Tom Hicks which ended in the first try of the match being touched down by Tom Hicks.  Straight from the re-start, some excellent recycling by the pack allowed the backline to shine with Tom Hicks nipping over for his second try of the match. After some significant forward domination, winning scrums and working the opposition hard at the tackle breakdown against a strong and robust Doncaster pack, a third try of the game was posted by Bobby Carr to seal the game.

Scorers for Doncaster match: Tom Hicks (2T); Bobby Carr (1T); Sam Martin (2C)

The final group match saw Tigers matched up against Canterbury who, like Derby, had won all their qualifying pool matches of the day.  Irrespective of the scores in this match both teams would be qualifying whoever ended up winning.  For the first three minutes of the first half some significant pressure by Tigers close to the Canterbury line, saw Ben Edmundsen go in for a score. In the second half pressure on Canterbury was maintained culminating in a try from about 35 metres out with a scintillating number-eight pickup from Harry Rudkin who took off down the blind side leaving defenders trailing behind him.  Before the end of the match Canterbury came back with a score, the first that Tigers had conceded in all of their group matches.

Scorers for Canterbury match: Harry Rudkin (1T); Ben Edmundsen (1T); Sam Martin (1C)

The final between the top two teams in the group ended up being contested between Tigers and Canterbury.  Played in front of the imposing clubhouse on the first team pitch with spectators using every possible vantage point, Tigers were in good spirits for the final match of the day but seemed a bit nervous straight from the start of the game in trying to keep Canterbury at bay in the first few crucial minutes.  Canterbury’s pressure soon paid off however with a converted try toward the middle of the first half.  Some handling errors from the Canterbury back-line might have seen them go further ahead but Tigers defence kept them at bay.  A try from Bobby Carr just before the end of the half swung the dominance in the game away from Canterbury and it just felt like we would score if we could only keep up the pressure.  Straight from the start of the second half, the ball was shipped out wide leaving Ben Edmundsen a lot to do to get in for the score but he made the line in double-quick speed to put Tigers in front.  The last few minutes were a bit nail-biting but Tigers held out to be deserved winners

Scorers for Final: Bobby Carr (1T); Ben Edmundsen (1T);

Tigers’ games in the tournament were convincing and extremely encouraging on many fronts.  For almost the first time all season, the back line and forwards dovetailed perfectly with the forwards gaining and recycling ball from the opposition and allowing the backline to weave some magic. Having taken a trip over to Gulliver’s Tournament at Nottingham on Good Friday, thoughts inevitably crept back to some great days and impressive performances from years gone by. Thanks to all the lads and supporters for making another great day for the scrapbook with a real good set of performances that they should be proud of stepping-up to the plate when required and seeming to do this with an ease and confidence that we haven’t seen for some time.

SQUAD: Benjamin BROWN; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke Frixou; Tom HICKS; Findley HOLLAND; Josh McCALLION; Sam MARTIN; Charles POPP; Jake ROOME; Tom RICHARDSON; Harry RUDKIN; Jake THOMSON; Casey WATSON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON;

Just what the doctor ordered, a nice journey up the M1 / A1 with Gary Rudkin telling you that you’re hopelessly lost before his satnav takes on a mind of its own and decides to have a nervous breakdown under the power lines of Drax.  The sun was shining again though, with a couple of tough games against two highly rated Yorkshire sides in Hull Ionians (who we’ve met before at Gullivers) and Selby who we’ve not come across before.  Two games such as these provided excellent opportunities to build on a number of aspects of the Tigers game prior to the upcoming NLD semi. 

Game 1: Hull Ionians 00 - 00 Derby Tigers

Unfortunately we were allocated a minis pitch for the first game against Ionians, which kind of stifled the game for both sides with nobody having any time to do anything with 15 men a side working at such close quarters.  The game eventually finished a nil-nil draw which was fair on balance but didn’t really help anyone’s game in any way. 

Game 2: Selby 12 - 14 Derby Tigers

By the time we came to play against Selby, a neighbouring full size pitch became available.  Straight from the start of the Selby game, both sides thought they would practice their kicking from hand with everyone chasing the ball around and looking decidedly tired within the first few minutes.  Selby looked strong with a powerful pack that weren’t going to be shoved about and some hard runners in the back line.  A quick try from Selby took Tigers a bit by surprise followed by a second towards the end of the half.  Two tries down didn’t really reflect on possession and quality of play however and some solid defending from the forwards took the game to the opposition.  What followed however was a grand fight-back by Tigers pulling back a try from Luke Frixou following some good handling from the backs.  A second try followed soon after from what has to be the best team effort score all season.  In phase after phase the forwards secured the ball and took on their opposing numbers.  All of this was interspersed with some inventive and creative handling to even up the scores at 12 -12.  A conversion from Bobby Carr eventually made the difference in the scoreline, but overall the team performance won out on the day, which when taken into consideration with the rigours of Ireland tour games, made the win all that more impressive.  Thanks to Selby for hosting the games, both they and Hull made us all very welcome.

Scorers: Harry Rudkin (1T); Luke Frixou (1T); Bobby Carr (2C)

Squad: Ben BROWN; Ashley CAMPBELL; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Findley HOLLAND; Brad HOPKINS; Josh McCALLION; Sam MARTIN; Charles POPP; Jake ROOME; Tom RICHARDSON; Harry RUDKIN; Jake THOMSON; Luke WALTON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON; Kyle YEOMANS.

Following on from a couple of titanic struggles with Stamford (particularly in NLD competitions) Tigers travelled to South Lincolnshire to match up with their fellow NLD semi-finalists.  Straight from the start a telling run from Harry Rudkin took the ball close to the Stamford line but was stopped just short.  The brisk start led into some decidedly jittery play with Tigers conceding two unconverted tries before the first quarter was through.  Tigers came back into the game with about ten minutes left in the half, settling down to make some piercing plays, driving Stamford on the back foot.  Tigers were rewarded with a score just before the end of the half following a neat kick from Ben Wilkinson which was chased down well by Charles Popp with Ben Edmundson getting his hands on it for a score.

After the restart Stamford came back with some impressive running sneaking in for a try in the corner.  With Tigers trailing by 15 to 14 it was Stamford's turn to look a little jittery. Tigers responded again with some pressure close to the line which eventually saw Kyle Yeomans pressuring a Stamford defence, struggling on the back foot. With Tigers in the lead 19 – 15 with all the pressure going their way, Stamford came back pushing Tigers up the park. With just seconds to go, Stamford took the ball to the corner with a slightly contentious try being awarded. All-in-all Tigers were extremely unlucky for the last minute score to go against them but a positive outcome was the way in which Tigers came back for two quick scores and some early pressure in the first half.

Scorers: Harry Rudkin (1T); Kyle Yeomans (1T); Ben Edmundsen (1T); Bobby Carr (2C)

Squad: Ben BROWN; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Alex GREEN; Findley HOLLAND; Brad HOPKINS; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Jared PARKINSON; Charles POPP; Jake ROOME; Harry RUDKIN; Will SHEVLIN; Jake THOMSON; Gwyll WILLIAMS; Casey WATSON; Kyle YEOMANS

For our first away trip to Wolverhampton we knew we would be up against a strong side that impressed at the Lexus tournament and were extremely unlucky not to meet Derby in the final.  With a significant number of players out through injuries / flu it was inevitably going to be a difficult game to try and match such a strong side. On a perfect pitch, with conditions cold but sunny, Wolverhampton started off extremely strongly running in a try straight from the start. They continued much as they started for most of the first half running another three tries in quick succession.  Tigers started to get back in the game before the end of the half with the pack winning most of the battles across the park.  Eventually Tigers pulled back a try in the first half after some dogged determination by the forwards in moving the ball but it looked difficult for Tigers to get back in the match.

The second half saw Wolverhampton run in another three tries from some very impressive back play which we couldn’t seem to counter at all.  Toward the end of the match Tigers pulled off a really impressive piece of back and forward interplay moving the ball exceptionally well for Charles Popp to run in for Tigers second try.  All in all there were some good points from the game despite what the points difference might show.  Jake Roome had an exceptional game standing in at scrum half and overall Tigers showed some resolve in trying to get back into a game which was always going to be difficult to chase.

Scorers: Harry Rudkin (1T); Charles Popp (1T)

Squad: Ben BROWN; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Alex GREEN; Findley HOLLAND; Brad HOPKINS; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Jared PARKINSON; Charles POPP; Harry RUDKIN; Will SHEVLIN; Jake THOMSON; Casey WATSON; Kyle YEOMANS

The final game of last season saw us pitched up against Sleaford giving us the opportunity to play our first ever 15 a side full size game.  The pitch looked big then and it still looked every bit as big in the cold light of day!   

Straight from the start the lads pressurised a strong Sleaford side.  Despite some pressure in the first five minutes, a cross field kick from Ben Wilkinson deep in the Sleaford half saw Luke Frixou streak in for a try evading some strong challenges on the way.   It stayed 7-0 till the end of the first third with most of the action bogged down a bit in midfield with neither side getting near to the opposition try line.  Some stout defending at the start of the second third kept out Sleaford close to our line denying them a try on a couple of occasions.  An absolutely brilliant run from Jake Roome paved the way for a second flyer of a try from Luke Frixou stretching the Sleaford back line all the way across the park.   

The final third saw Derby extend their lead and control of the game straight from the start with some excellent handling and support play leading to a try from Josh Watts.  A try for Luke Walton extended the tally with Luke collecting the ball someway inside our half and sprinting in all the way for a score.  The final try of the game came from Jake Roome who sneaked in from about 20 yards out to seal a very convincing performance. 

Scorers: Luke Walton (1T); Luke FRIXOU (2T); Jake ROOME (1T); Ben EDMUNDSON (1T) & Bobby CARR (2C) 

Squad: Ben BROWN; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Rueben HAMES; Callum HAY; Matt HAYNES; Findley HOLLAND; Brad HOPKINS; Nathan JONES Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Haydn MORRIS; Jared PARKINSON; Charles POPP; Tom RICHARDSON; Harry RUDKIN; Will SHEVLIN; Jake THOMSON; Luke WALTON; Josh WATTS; Louis WILSON; Kyle YEOMANS.

Derby Tigers 25 – 00 Lincoln

Derby Stags 57- 00 Newark B

On yet another glorious Sunday morning the Stags made their way to sunny Southwell for the second of their NLD qualifying matches.  A heavy defeat last Sunday against Market Deepings didn’t seem to take too much of a toll on their overall confidence setting the day up nicely. The pace of the game was set right from the kick-off with both sides eager to make their mark on the game and get some points on the board.  A closely fought first 10 minutes saw Southwell gain some ground but Stags kept coming back at them and mounting some concerted counter pressure. Deep inside our own half Dom Hancock did one of his trademark Number 8 pickups running in for the corner and popping a pass out to Ashley Morrisey for a great score.  Stags did well to keep out Southwell who very much looked like they were coming back for a quick score to even things up.  With play bogged down a bit in our own half and possession changing hands quite quickly, Southwell responded with a try just before half time. 

Up 7 – 5 at the restart the game picked up where it left off with some fast and furious exchanges of play with forwards winning some good ball and the backs putting in their fair share of tackles to stop the Southwell back line. The start of the second half saw the Stags doing their fair share of defending strongly keeping out Southwell (much of it close to our line).  Soon after a magnificent try saving tackle (it wasn’t the last one!) from Matt Haynes, Dom Hancock again picked the ball up running deep but stopping short after some excellent defending from Southwell.  Another try saving tackle from Matt stopped Southwell short again but it wasn’t long before Southwell eventually ran in for a second try building on so much pressure.  Back came the Stags with another good move from Dom Hancock backed up strongly by a pack that wanted to push forward and pile on the pressure. The pressure came good when Nathan Jones sneaked in for a second Stags try.  A conversion from Peter Neal (to add to one in the second half) made all the difference and another score was nearly run in from Matt Haynes but a fantastic try saving tackle from the Southwell full back prevented another score. 

Points Scorers: Nathan Jones (1T), Ashley Morrison (1T) & Peter Neal (2C) 

Squad: Haydn MORRIS; Jared PARKINSON; Nathan JONES; Louis WILSON; Liam MOORE; Tom RICHARDSON; Dylon PROBERT; Jake COCKER; Ashley MORRISEY; Rueben HAMES; Alex GREEN; Max ALLISON; Dominic HANCOCK; Josh SURGA; Jonny CORLEY; Peter NEAL; Callum HAY; Scott HAYWOOD; Ross SIAN; Rhys SHERWOOD; Matt HAYNES; Joe PATRICK; Gwilyn WILLIAMS.

The opening NLD games of the season commenced this Sunday with the Stags away at Market Deepings (in deepest Lincolnshire) and the Tigers at home to Chesterfield.   On yet another fine and bright sunny morning Tigers (nursing a few injuries and with some players unavailable) lined up against a Chesterfield side which two weeks ago had taken on the Stags and come off second best.  Straight from the start though, Tigers conceded a quick score with a nicely timed interception by the Chesterfield centre which took everybody by surprise.  It wasn’t all that long however before some stout defending on our own twenty-two saw a good series of moves up the field for Kyle Yeomans to run in Tigers reply.  Soon after, a kick reception by Bobby Carr deep in his own half was also converted into some nice interplay between forwards and backs before Ben Edmundson finally ran in to touch down.   Before the end of the first half Tigers were to run in a further two scores.  The first came from Kyle Yeomans after some concerted pressure from the forwards rolling the ball forward from successive rucks and mauls.  The last score of the half came from Luke Walton running from just outside his own twenty-two to score what was a fantastic individual effort.   

The second half started with Tigers in a commanding 26-12 lead and it wasn’t long before another great solo effort from Luke Walton was stopped short of the line for Harry Rudkin to pick up and sneak in for a try close to the line. The second score of the half saw the ball thrown in from a line-out just in the oppositions half and the ball move quickly across the field for Luke Frixou to sneak in for a score after a mazy 40 yard run.  Soon after, and following some nice handling from the back line, the ball came out wide to Charles Popp for another fine score.  Just before the final whistle went there was time for another try, which like the last score of the first half, started at our own twenty-two and ended up with Luke Walton scoring his own second of the match.   All in all, the match tended to be a bit of forward dominated game but all credit to the pack who stuck at it and delivered when it mattered.  Next match sees Tigers pitted against Mansfield, and whilst today's score did tend to flatter Tigers slightly, there is still a fair bit to be worked on before we meet Lincoln in a few weeks time.  

Points Scorers: Luke Walton (2T), Kyle Yeoman (2T), Ben Edmundson (1T), Charles Popp (1T), Harry Rudkin (1T),Luke Frixou (1T) & Bobby Carr (4C). 

Squad: Ben BROWN; George CAMBELL; Ashley CAMPBELL; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Findley HOLLAND; Brad HOPKINS; Lewis MADELEY; Josh McCALLION; Charles POPP; Harry RUDKIN; Will SHEVLIN; Jake THOMSON; Luke WALTON; Kyle YEOMANS.

Sundays weekly pilgrimage into sunny Leicestershire was for a game against some stiff opposition in the form of Market Bosworth.  Some good reports had been obtained about the Leicestershire side and it would be good to be tested what with some of the relatively one sided games that have been the mainstay of the season so far. 

Right from the start Tigers were under the cosh and it wasn’t too long into the match before we were two tries down and struggling.  Camped out in our own half for what seemed an age it looked like we couldn’t really make a dent in their defences anywhere on the park.  A further two tries were run in by Market Bosworth but at least we seemed to be getting back into the game somewhat after some considerable forward momentum took us close to the line.  After some further forward pressure Sam Martin sneaked in for a try following a good couple of phases.  

Leading 24-5 at the restart Market Bosworth continued to pile on pressure but at least we seemed to be contesting things much more. A fifth try from Market Bosworth seemed to end all hope of getting back into the game but with about 12 minutes left of the half that’s exactly what Tigers did exerting pressure in rucks and mauls and making some testing runs from the back line.  In finishing off this period of extended pressure Tigers scored a well deserved try starting at our own 5 yard line and moving the ball down the pitch for Ben Wilkinson to score under the posts.  

Taken as a whole, Market Bosworth were just that bit quicker to the breakdown with the inevitable result that their back line saw a lot of clean ball.  Couple that with some creative backs that didn’t miss the gaps across the line, it was perhaps inevitable that a few tries were conceded. At the cool down at the end of the game there wasn’t really all that much to be said as most of the lads knew where things hadn’t worked. The key lesson to be learnt is that there is absolutely no problem in losing as long as we can all learn from what it was that made us lose.  

Points Scorers: Ben Wilkinson (1T), Sam Martin (1T) & Bobby Carr (1C) 

Squad: Ben BROWN; George CAMBELL; Ashley CAMPBELL; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Luke FRIXOU; Findley HOLLAND; Brad HOPKINS; Alex GREEN; Nathan JONES; Lewis MADELEY; Sam MARTIN; Josh McCALLION; Charles POPP; Harry RUDKIN; Will SHEVLIN; Jake THOMSON; Luke WALTON; Josh WATTS; Ben WILKINSON; Kyle YEOMANS.

With confidence high after a set of resounding victories to win the East Midlands Lexus Tournament last week, a visit to sunny Syston beckoned with two Tigers stalwarts (Harry Rudkin and Jake Roome) back after injury. 

As usual Tigers got off to a slow start but worked hard to get to the pace.  Spread over four quarters to make best use of opportunities for substitutions by Syston, the match soon slipped into the usual format that suits Tigers play best – space for forwards to win the ball and space for the backs to move it!   Tigers scored three tries in the first quarter with more of the same following in the second quarter after something of a steady rhythm became established.  At the half time whistle, Tigers were up by six tries and three conversions.  After the half time turnaround, play worked into a similar steady fashion as the first half with multiple phases of play being built by the forwards which was converted into good handling in the backs. The last half saw five more tries being run in from all over the park before an absolute downpour finished the game off with Tigers running out convincing winners.  

In summary, the game was another fine display by both forwards and backs, with more than a few tries being scored.  As ever, things can be improved upon and from the few matches that we’ve already had this season, there are some clear pointers to where we need to take it to the next level.

Points Scorers: Ben Edmundson; Harry Rudkin; Luke Walton; Findlay Holland; Ben Wilkinson (all 1 try); Luke Frixou (2 tries); Charles Popp (3 tries); Sam Martin (2 tries and 6 Conversions). 

Squad: Josh WATTS; Brad HOPKINS; Kyle YEOMANS; Josh McCALLION; Jake ROOME; Lewis MADELEY; Ben WILKINSON; Sam MARTIN; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Alex GREEN, Luke WALTON; Jake THOMSON; Findlay HOLLAND; Charles POPP; George CAMBELL; Luke FRIXOU; Ashley CAMPBELL.

Derby Vs Waterloo 0-5 

The U13’s got off to their customary start at a festival, asleep for the first 15 minutes.  One of these days they will realise that the games only last for 15 minutes.  Never mind, at least the weather provided some excitement and gave the parents ample time to utilise our gazebo facilities.  Just as well because by the end of the day they had both been nicked, gazebos not parents. 

It’s worth mentioning that by 10.30am the team manager and 3 parents were overheard, in the beer tent, cheering themselves up with the thought of an early Sunday roast. 

Derby Vs Caldy 14-0 

The soothing words spoken by the coaching team at the end of the first game obviously had the desired effect.  Derby produced a much-improved display culminating in tries from Luke Frixou and someone else (whoever you were it was a great try!) 

Derby Vs Newcastle Staffs 14-0 

Third game up and the boys were getting better and better.  Two unanswered tries from Sam Martin and Kyle Yeomans saw them home.

There followed a tense wait to discover whether we would qualify as best 2^nd placed team.  Eventually the good news filtered through and was greeted enthusiastically by all but the Sunday lunch brigade. 

Semi Final 5-0

Derby Vs Sutton Coldfield 

Two well matched teams played out a very exciting match.  By this stage of the competition Derby were playing their best rugby and only determined defence from Sutton was keeping them out.  In the end the teams were only separated by a tremendous team try finished by Luke Frixou, who is a very accomplished player and has obviously spent no time whatsoever watching his Dad play.  Good boy, keep it that way. 

Final 5-0

Derby Vs Waterloo 

Well wouldn’t you know it? Our nemesis from the first round.

The final was played on the second team pitch, which we hoped would give the team space to play some free flowing rugby.

This certainly proved to be the case, with Derby applying pressure on the Waterloo line from the start.  This sustained pressure resulted in a Derby scrum on the Waterloo 22.  The scrum held and the number 8, Sam Martin, picked up from the back, went past 4 men and in the process of placing the ball down startled a small boy who had been sleeping against a post.

The remainder of the game was very tight and Derby finally won through, cheered on by numerous Derby teams and their parents, thank you.

Well played Waterloo and we’re looking forward to the decider. 

This was a fantastic day with each member of the squad playing their part, well done to each and everyone of you.

After the first game you showed tremendous character in pulling it back round and that had nothing to do with the coaches but everything to do with you.  Remember how that felt and you will enjoy the rest of the season. 

Finally, a big thank you to our loyal band of parents and sorry about the lunch guys, blame the team! 

Following on from a cracking start to the season with a win at Burton under floodlights on a cool September Friday night nine days ago, a game with Melton beckoned. Right from the start Derby put pressure on Melton and it wasn’t too long before the pressure was converted into a try with a 30 yard run from Luke Walton going over in the corner. Not long afterwards some dogged determination and concerted pressure, close to the Melton line, saw Josh McCallion sneak through some heavy traffic for a try close to the line. Midway through the half some excellent ball was being won by the pack setting up the back line with a number of significant backline runs.   Pressure at this point was quite relentless despite Melton winning some key ball.   Before the whistle had gone for the end of the first half a try from Ben Edmondson, running in from the half way line, and a pacy try from Charles Popp saw Tigers end the half in fine style.  

At the restart the pace dropped somewhat with much of the action occurring in midfield with neither side making use of the space. All that changed however when again, after some extended pressure from the forwards, Ben Wilkinson ran from deep to make the first score of the half.  A second try soon afterwards, built up deep from Tigers own half, was scored by Charles Popp.  Before the final whistle there was just time for a final try from Ben Wilkinson to seal a convincing victory.   

Although the score would suggest that the match was a bit one sided, it was in actual fact, anything but.  Pitched up against a strong pack, Tigers forwards were clinical in working hard to secure ball for the backs to run with, echoing much of what happened in the Burton game.  All in all another good outcome provided some excellent preparation for next weeks Lexus tournament which should provide some stiff opposition. 

Points Scorers: Ben Edmundson; Luke Walton; Josh McCallion; Charles Popp (2 tries); Ben Wilkinson (2 Tries); Sam Martin (5 Conversions).

Squad: Josh WATTS; Brad HOPKINS; Kyle YEOMANS; Josh McCALLION; Ben WILKINSON; Sam MARTIN; Bobby CARR; Ben EDMUNDSON; Ben BROWN, Alex GREEN, Finlay HOLLAND; Charles POPP; George CAMBELL; Luke FRIXOU; Ben BROWN; Ashley CAMPBELL