A trip to the Bahamas, no, lets make it round the world! 

For this NLD League match the Nomads made the 140+ mile round trip to Market Rasen. 

On a sunny, if slightly breezy, morning this promised to be quite an evenly fought match with both teams having similar results this season. 

The Nomads started the match at breakneck speed. Within the first 5 minutes they put Rasen under great pressure and moving the ball swiftly through the backs Captain Howardsway crossed in the corner. To add the extras Subspaid had to convert from the touchline, up hill with a cross wind. What an amazing kick! 

The Nomads continued to press Rasen back and from a scrum taken against the head by The Little Fraz Dr Jimbob Moptop drove, popped to Fudgeboy but he was held up over the line. Some whiteline fever resulted in the Nomads being unable to convert pressure into points. Rasen cleared their line but the Nomads were soon back in the Rasen 22. With a scrum given to the Nomads, for Rasen feeding at their scrum, Sam Mint went over the line but, with the referee unsighted, Nomads scrum 5. This time Mr Mint was not to be denied and over he went for the score. Subspaid added the nudge and the Nomads were 14 points to the good. 

Open play took Rasen to the Nomads line and, following much Rasen pressure being withstood by the Nomads, play was cleared upfield from a Nomads lineout. Once more the Nomads took the game to Rasen who themselves defended well and cleared the ball downfield. 

 A break from a midfield ruck, just in the Nomads half, was made by the Rasen back row forward Rob Dunn who scored under the posts but, missed nudge. 

This was a really good match and as half time arrived the Nomads were 14  :  5 up. 

Halftime changes were made with Fudgeboy coming off due to having a couple of hairs out of place. The Brown Bomber moved from fullback to centre and Little White Buller came on at fullback. Would Fudgeboy be back? More importantly, would he get his hair sorted? 

As play recommenced the Brown Bomber put in a super tackle in midfield. The ball fell to the Nomads and from e kick through Captain Howardsway crossed the whitewash under the posts allowing Subspaid to add the extras. 

Champagne Charlie came on for No Straighteners. 

It was the home teams turn to apply pressure on the Nomads as they took play well into the Derby half. Following a lineout Rasens best player, Rob Dunn, again breached the Nomads line for a score. No nudge but Rasen back in the game. 

Elmo Slaughter came off to give ET a run. 

The Nomads responded to the setback of the Rasen score by taking play right back to them. A free kick was awarded to the Nomads on the Rasen 5 Metre line and this was cleverly taken quickly by Snowball to cross for the score. Subspaid added the nudge and the Nomads looked safe! 

Derby continued to play attractive rugby and were not afraid to vary their play. Unfortunately this was nearly their undoing when Rasen intercepted a pass and only had Little White Buller between them and a score. Charging right up to them went The Little White Buller, and made possibly a game winning tackle. 

The referee decided that Sam Mint should have a 10 minute break from proceedings for tackling a player so, back in his natural position, Fudgeboy rejoined the game at prop! The referee seemed to take some exception to Fudgeboys scrummaging techniques and penalised him a few times! 

Rasen were not finished yet and moved the ball well to their left winger for a score in the corner which went unconverted. 

Play got somewhat bogged down in the middle of the pitch for a short while before the Nomads moved into the opposition half again. From a Rasen scrum the ball was knocked on and, that was that. The referee blew for the end of the game. 

Afterthought :- A superb game of rugby played in the true spirit of the game. All the Nomads can be proud of an excellent display, the pack were awesome to a man, the backs tackled like they have never done before and Subspaid deserves a special mention for having his best game of the season. Bring on Paviors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we go again! Just for a change the Nomads travelled to Kesteven for a friendly encounter. Many travelling supporters chatted about the possibility of changing road miles for air miles and jetting off to the Bahamas for the next match. 

After a very even start to the game the Nomads managed to baffle themselves with some mis handling which allowed the opposition left winger to run half the length of the pitch and touch down in the corner. The convertion was missed. 

From a driving maul by the Nomads Fudgeboy broke away but was held up just short of the whitewash. A Kesteven player was noted to be on the wrong side at the resulting maul and so, penalty Kesteven! 

Kesteven cleared their lines but play was soon back in their 22 where they infringed and from the resulting penalty Snowball sold a super dummy and touched down under the sticks. Subspaid added the extras to put the Nomads up. 

Play continued to amble too and fro and with the ball lost in a tackle in mid field the Kesteven left winger showed a clean pair of heels, again, to cross in the corner, again, but the nudge was missed, again! 

The Nomads mounted an assault on the opposition try line and Dr Jimbob Moptop was adjudged to have been held up over the line. From the resulting scrum the afore mentioned Doctor picked and carried and scored allowing Subspaid to add the nudge.

The travelling coaching staff decided that Little White Buller could come off and have a graze and the Brown Bomber replaced him. 

Kesteven pushed the Nomads back to their own line and stout defending was rewarded when Subspaid hacked the ball down field. A penalty was awarded to the Nomads but this was missed and the referee decided all could take a break. 

Changes by the coaches at half time went like this :-  Bozzy for Onion; Jack Flash for No Straighteners and Sam Mint for Diddy. 

The second half got under way and again the Nomads took play to the opposition. A desperate defensive kick was missed by the Nomads defence and this allowed Kesteven to score and convert giving them the lead. 

ET came on for Elmo Slaughter. 

The Nomads camped on the Kesteven line and following penalty after penalty after penalty by Kesteven, Subspaid crossed and converted his own try. 

Champagne Charlie came on for Snowball. 

‘From the kick off’ the Nomads moved play back to the Kesteven half. A desperate clearance kick was  charged down by Jack Flash and the ball was sweetly moved left for Howardsway to cross the whitewash. With the convertion out on the left hand touchline would Subspaid manage it? He kicked, the crowd waited, the touch judges raised their arms, its over! No it isn’t, the referee decided! 

Final score   Kesteven 17  ;  Derby Nomads 26, or was it? 

Afterthought :-  Yet another excellent team display. Can this be carried forward for the long trip to Market Rasen?

The Nomads were in the ascendancy and continued to camp in the Grimsby 22. Then, a superb rolling maul by Grimsby took play to the Nomads 22. Grimsby exerted a great amount of pressure on the Nomads line but the defence was excellent. The ball was hacked out of defence and down into the opponents half where they gave away a penalty which Subspaid converted to leave the final score Nomads 15  :  Grimsby 10. 

Afterthought :-  In such awful conditions this was a superb performance where, yet again, the Nomads pack proved to a man just how good they can be. That said, credit must go to every player for such a win in such conditions.

An interesting game this for many reasons.  Firstly, it was cancelled!  Secondly, not everyone knew this! 

Un-knowingly, Goosey and his Gander decided to travel to the battlefield of Market Bosworth. Not a bad trip and a lovely place to go for a walk was the report from those that travelled, but back to serious matters. 

Who needs team mates, thought Goosey, and with that in mind he bravely decided to continue with the battle at hand. Raring to go Goosey won the toss and decided to receive!!!!! Hence, a rather boring Nil : Nil draw resulted!!!!! 

Afterthought :-  Although modern communication methods do not suit all, they can save on global warming by reducing carbon emissions!?!?

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to play we go! 

The Under 17 Nomads travelled to Newark for this Inter-league match in festive spirit. Using the pantomime season as the basis for the match, Snow White and the Seven (well 19 actually) Dwarves was the theme. Head coach (Snow White) Robinson and Assistant coach (Handsome Prince) Rolfs travelled but unfortunately Assistant coach (Evil Queen) Moore was detained by work commitments! The 18 original dwarves were eventually joined by Goosey dwarf  who, obviously, thought the theme was Jack and the Beanstalk and had stayed to try and hatch the golden egg! 

Would the Nomads be in charitable mood or would they spoil the Newark party? All would become clear very soon. 

Missing Captain Howardway dwarf,  Jackflash dwarf and Phonehome dwarf the Nomads started with a somewhat reshuffled line up. 

Within the first minute Kofibrunt dwarf took exception to the Newark attention and was involved in an altercation. ‘He’s behind you’ was the cry from the crowd but Kofi dwarf had all angles covered until the referee intervened. The Nomads continued to press and Kofi dwarf was invited to take a 10 minute rest from the performance by the referee for flattening the Newark fly half following his clearance. 

The Nomads pack was in control of play but from a poor clearance by Derby, Newark were able to take the ball on and score the first try. Was this a sign of things to come or was the charitable period over? 

The Nomads continued to press Newark but lost the ball well into the opposition half. Missed tackle after missed tackle allowed Newark to score again. 

Derby restarted, again, and following missed tackle after missed tackle after missed tackle the Newark flanker scampered in from the half way line to touchdown under the posts. 

Was there a theme to the match developing? Oh yes there was. Oh no there wasn’t. Oh yes there was! 

Derby continued to take play to Newark and, from a sliced clearance which the Nomads were unable to collect, missed tackle after missed tackle allowed Newark to cross the whitewash, again. 

Yet again the Nomads pack took play to Newark and, on the stroke of halftime, a penalty was awarded to the Nomads which Subspaid dwarf nudged. 

Halftime arrived with the score 24  :  3. 

Snow White coach reinforced the idea that, although twas the season of goodwill to all men, we were allowed to tackle the opposition. Dog dwarf, who was carrying a touch of hardpad, was replaced by Sergeant Slaughter dwarf and Diddy Dwarf was replaced by Lukeskierwalker dwarf. 

From the commencement of the second half, yet again the Nomads pack took play to Newark and were awarded a penalty that Subspaid dwarf accepted. 

A scrum on halfway, won by Newark, enabled them to release their inside centre who, following missed tackle after missed tackle, scored under the posts. 

Could the theme of the first half  be continued? You bet your sweet bippy it could!  

Snow White coach took Nostraighteners dwarf off, moved Littlewhitebuller dwarf to the wing and put Podge dwarf in the centre. Would this solve the tackling problem? 

Newark continued to exploit the Nomads generosity and, following missed tackle after missed tackle, they scored again! 

The Nomads refused to let their heads drop and continued to take play to the opposition. From a handling error (rather than a missed tackle) on halfway the Newark winger showed his pace and crossed in the corner. 

Snow white coach replaced Bozzy dwarf by moving Snowball dwarf to fullback and putting Rightown dwarf on at scrum half. 

Still the Nomads refused to lie down and continued to take play to Newark and pressurise the opposition line. From a penalty 5 metres from the Newark line Kofi dwarf tapped and went himself for the first Derby try. Subspaid dwarf added the nudge. Was this the start of a fightback? 

It was now Newark's turn to take play to the Nomads (rather than relying on Derby's charitable tackling) and, following pressure, the Newark No 8 produced a moment of brilliance flicking the ball inside for the final Newark score. 

The referee decided enough was enough and the game finished Newark 50 - 13 Derby. 

The score, although looking somewhat embarrassing, does not reflect the entire truth about the game. The Nomads pack were superb. Surging runs from Evertonmint dwarf and Dr Jimbob dwarf, brilliant lineout work from Fieldmarshall dwarf and tremendous effort from the rest of the pack of dwarves went unrewarded. Onion dwarfs tackling was an example that, unfortunately, the rest did not copy. Whoever brought Miss Edtackle with them please leave her at home for the next game.  

Afterthought :-  Tis the season to be jolly tra la la la la tra la la la! A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all coaches, players and supporting parents. Things can only get, and will be, better in 07.

Having met at the haven called Haslams many were wondering where the Nomads would be playing this week. To the astonishment of all it was ……………….at HOME! 

In the first of the NLD League matches the Nomads were to play Lincoln at home in an 11.00 am kick off. This was delayed by a number of the opposition arriving late due to mechanical difficulties. 

When the game eventually got under way the Nomads took the lead after 5 minutes following Lincoln being caught off side and Subspaid converted the penalty. 

It didn’t take long for Lincoln to reply to this early setback. Following some mishandling by the Nomad backs in the Lincoln half the ball was intercepted and Lincoln Scored and converted for a 7  :  3 lead. 

A break by Captain Howardsway took play well into the opposition half where, from a resulting scrum, Subsway went blind to release Nostraighteners to cross the whitewash in the corner. Unfortunately no nudge but the Nomads back in the lead. Shortly after this Nostraighteners went off to be replaced by Jackflash. 

The Nomads continued to pressurise the Lincoln line and an enthusiastic watcher, the Beests captain, uttered profound words of encouragement ‘ Use the fat boys to smash ‘em up ‘. 

From a ruck infront of the Lincoln posts play moved to the left and a pass from Fudgeboy put Howardsway free to score in the corner. Again no nudge but the attempt was getting nearer, maybe next time? 

Another Nomads penalty was missed but from a following scrum a lovely backs move involving Subspaid to Howardsway followed by a loop with Jackflash enabled Howardsway to score and, yes, the nudge was added.  

Half time arrived with the Nomads standing 20  :  7 to the good. 

Much encouragement was given by the coaching staff, such as ‘keep it up‘ and ‘same again in this half‘ and these words of wisdom in the absence of Head coach Robinson (again) this time ‘working‘ in France!!!!!!! 

From the start of the second half both sides cancelled each other out with much tooing and froing from each others halves. Positional play seemed to go out of the window. Coach Moore decided that Goosey could go for a graze and Gog could have a rest in his kennel and replaced them with Phonehome and Sugaray. 

A somewhat hurried kick on by Lincoln was picked up by Jackflash who eased in to score but, unfortunately, no nudge. 

Derby continued to pressurise the Lincoln line and from the back of a ruck very close to the line Dr Jimbobmoptop drove over from all of 1 foot. Subspaid added the nudge. 

Coach Moore replaced Snowball with Rightown. 

Podge, on for Diddy, took the restart and with a storming run, which saw all in front of him blown away as if not there, took play to the Lincoln 5 metre line. The ball was moved out left for Fudgeboy to cross and Subspaid to add the nudge for the final score of the game to make it 39  :  7. 

Post script :-  The first half display was superb, the second was initially somewhat erratic. All in all an excellent team and squad display with all players playing their part in an emphatic victory. Where are we next week?   Who knows!!!!!!!

Having travelled, yet again, from the haven of Haslams Derby U17’s (now affectionately known as The Nomads) made another round trip of some 100 miles to play East Retford. Some usual faces were missing from the travelling party, some for pleasurable reasons, others for alleged work commitments Coach Moore!!!!!!!! 

On a crisp sunny Sunday morning Retford got proceedings under way and immediately from the start a break by Dr Jimbob Moptop took play well into the Retford half. From 2 quick rucks the ball was taken over the whitewash by scrum half Snowball for the first score which went un-converted. This in the first minute! 

Retford were not too phased by this and within a further 4 minutes their scrum half returned gesture and the scores were level again. 

In a hectic period play Retford pressed forward and from a breakdown Captain Howardsway kicked through and took play down for a lineout on half way. A scrum resulted and again Howardsway kicked through, chased the ball over the line and touched down for the try. Wrong, the referee decided ‘No try’ and play was taken back for a scrum. Why? No-one knew. Another lineout on the Retford 5 Metre line was stolen by Derby and the pack drove over for (I’m not too hungry today) Brunty to score. No nudge again but Derby 10 : 5 up. 

Retford again pressed forward and play was cleared from the Derby 22 by Subspaid. Matt (no straighteners please) chased the clearance and put in a great tackle on the Retford 22 which resulted in a scrum to Derby. From this the backs moved the ball out wide to the right for Onion to go over in the corner. Yet again, no nudge. 

Again directly from the re-commencement Dr Jimbob made the break upfield and released Subspaid who was caught just short of the line, or was he? Try? Wrong again as the referee, who was some distance behind play, no try! 

Retford cleared their line only for an excellent break by Howardsway released No Straighteners who went over for the score. Wrong. The referee decided the ball had not been grounded this time so, NO TRY!!!!! 

The Derby pack were playing exceptionally and from a scrum taken against the head by Fraz Junior, Fudgeboy and Howardsway released No Straighteners who in turn passed to Snowball for his second score in the corner. No nudge. 

Retford again tried to get something going and took play to the Derby 22 where, from stolen lineout ball Fraz J and Snowball took play back into the Retford half. The Derby pack mounted an assault on the Retford line and the ball was moved by Diddy, at scrum half (?) to Fudgeboy for Howardsway to cross for the try. Subspaid added the nudge and half time arrived with the score 27 : 5 to Derby. 

Only one change made at half time by Coach Robinson (making a guest appearance on a Sunday due to being let off church duty !!!!!!!!!! France next Sunday on a religious exchange) with Onion making way for Jackflash. 

Good play from the kickoff was kicked away and Retford moved play down to the Derby 10 metre line. From a scrum the ball was well moved by Retford for a score in the corner which went unconverted. 

Coach Robinson decided to make the most of his attendance and replaced Diddy with Podge and Snowball with Charlie (I’m in the right town this week) 

Good Derby pressure took play to the Retford 5 metre line and Coach Robinson (who was still here) decided Dog needed a rest in his kennel and replaced him with (Phone home) Elliot. Derby stayed camped in the Retford 22 and from a stolen lineout Derby again moved nearer to the Retford line where Dr Moptop crossed for another score. Guess what, no nudge. 

‘From the restart’ Brunty made excellent yardage before releasing Subspaid who was tackled some 15 metres out. From the ruck the ball was passed to Podge who eased in to score near the posts. Subs paid added the nudge. 

The referee must have had an important function to attend as he blew for the end of the match some minutes early with the final score Retford 10 : 39 Derby. 

Afterthought :-  All can be satisfied with a good performance. The pack were superb with Sam Mint dominating his opposite number. The tackling by Onion and Nostraighteners was excellent. Just have to watch the silly penalties and backchat against Lincoln on Sunday. Being at home all players and supporters are asked to use plenty of deodorant and smelly stuff or we may be exiled to travel the country for another 2 months!!!!!

After yet another trek from the haven of Haslams Derby U17s arrived, via various different routes at Market Harborough. ( 1 player and parent decided to stay at Derby for a home game – contact problem senior coach!!!!) 

Derby commenced proceedings and neat handling from an initial scrum took Derby to the Harboro 22. Harboro reciprocated taking play to the Derby 22 where Derby stole the ball and moved to half way where a Harboro dump tackle on ‘Fudgeboy’ resulted in a Rezza penalty for the Derby lead.

Harboro immediately levelled the score with a penalty from the restart. 

From the recommencement Derby were awarded a scrum for a knock on and following some mishandling in midfield moved play into the Harboro half. Harboro retaliated and took play back into the Derby half where another penalty was conceded by Derby and the opposition took the lead.

Derby restarted and following some scrappy play and numerous scrums Harboro moved play into the Derby half. A clearance from Rezza was collected by Captain Howardsway who evaded tackles to run from just inside the Harboro half to score an excellent try. Rezza added the nudge to take Derby back into the lead.

Podge took the restart kick and made super yardage to take play to the Harboro 22. From the resulting ruck Derby were penalised and then moved a further 10 metres back for some uncalled for chat! Play moved back to halfway where, yet again, Derby were penalised and moved 10 metres back for further back chat to the referee. Derby moved back into the Harboro half and from a dubious lineout to the opposition, which Derby won, the ball was moved through the backs for Matt (I didn’t have a dirty weekend last week) Onion to touchdown. Rezza added the nudge. 

Yet again Derby conceded a penalty from the restart and Harboro punished them by taking the 3 points.

Derby pressurised the opposition and from a scrum, taken against the head by Fraz, the ball found its way to Howardsway who crossed the whitewash for a further score which Rezza was unable to add the nudge to. 

The ref decided to call it halftime with Derby 22  -  9 ahead. 

At halftime Coach Moore (in the absence yet again by Head Coach Robinson, 3 weeks and no note!) made the change of Captain Howardsway coming off and Browny replacing him. 

Harboro, who had lost a prop due to injury resulting in non contested scrums, started the second half and Rezza cleared back to halfway. Podge was replaced having decided he no longer wanted 90% of one of his front teeth following trying to chew an opposition boot. (was it 3 gum shields in your bag Podge?) Elliot took his place in the back row. Harboro kicked downfield and touched down in the corner for a try which went unconverted. 

Following the recommencement of proceedings stand in captain Dr Jimbob Moptop took play up to the Harboro 5 metre line where, from the resulting scrum a No 8 break was collected by Browny (the physio says I've got a weird hip!) for a score in the corner. Rezza failed to add the nudge. 

Derby took play to the Harboro 22 but lost possession and the oppo’s moved into the Derby half and following a scrum scored in the corner again. No nudge. 

Shortly after play commenced again a Harboro player decided he felt a little peckish and tried Browny’s arm as a snack. Fortunately it wasn’t to his liking so he declined the offer to finish his meal! Snacking during the game appeared to be the flavour of the day with a Harboro player showing some teeth marks to the ref. The official called both coaches onto the field and advised them that food was provided after the match and for them to ask both teams to resist eating each other. 

Play eventually got underway again and following a Harboro scrum Derby stole possession and a break by Browny released Onion to place the ball between the posts. Rezza added the nudge to make the final score 19 - 34.  

Afterthought:-  In a game where all Derby players contributed Onion and Brunty were excellent in their tackling in that they decided the opposition cannot run if you tackle legs. Snowball and Rezza controlled play well and the pack, with James (field) Marshall brilliant in the line, proved their match for a big Harboro pack. 

With the backs coach still sunning himself on some far away shores and Head Coach Robinson still playing with himself all credit goes to Coach Moore for putting up with the travelling hoards!

It became very obvious that the wind that had assisted Melton in the first half had moved somewhere else in Leicestershire! 

Pressure by Derby from the restart led to them being camped in the Melton half. From a lineout Dr Moptop took the ball at the back of the line and he offloaded to ‘subs paid’ Rezza for him to cross the whitewash and add the nudge. 

Melton restarted and following a kick through from Rezza Melton were penalised for holding on and, the afore mentioned ‘subs paid’ added the 3 points. 

Following a ? late tackle by Kofi Brunt resulted in him thinking he was off to his usual position behind the posts for a further 10 minutes (which would have been the rest of the game) but the ref, apparently, never saw the incident! Brunty lived to fight, sorry play on. 

With much encouragement from the travelling hoards of Derby supporters Derby mounted more pressure on the opposition. ‘Keep it tight’ was the command from Coach Moore. Melton managed to clear their line and move back upfield. Derby mounted another attack but, unfortunately, the referee decided the pea in his whistle was nearly worn away due to excessive use and blew for the end of the game. 

Afterthought :- Following a rather dismal display in the first half, with poor tackling giving the opposition their scores, Derby showed how they can play rugby in the second half and were unlucky not to come away with a draw. Credit should be given to the gallant 16 and a lesson in washing given to the Melton prop who was lucky to stay on the pitch for the full game!

Having travelled from the haven of Haslams, Derby players (and eventually some misguided parents) arrived to play Ashfield in this league match. 

Derby, having won the toss, decided to play uphill with the wind (probably due to too many beans) in the first half.  

Following a slowish start Derby took the ball against the head at a scrum and Dr Jimbob Moptop crossed the whitewash for the first score. Rezza calmly added the nudge  7 - 0.

Continued pressure from the recommencement resulted in no points. Following a somewhat crooked lineout throw the referee offered the whistle to all the Derby players who appealed for ‘not straight’. From the resulting scrum Rezza (I’ve paid my subs now) Kesheffi  gracefully cut through a rather sluggish defence to score under the posts from where he easily added the nudge  14 - 0.

Following the Ashfield restart  more Derby pressure resulted in the ball being moved well through the backs for Captain Tom to cross the line in a typical Howardsway. Unfortunately the nudge was missed  19 - 0. 

Good forward pressure released the backs, again, with Matt (my dads having a dirty weekend away) Onion being held up short of the line. From the resulting scrum No 8 Dr Moptop went blind to cross for his second try which Rezza nonchalantly added the nudge 26 - 0. 

‘From the restart’ Derby stole the ball from a ruck and swift hands allowed Howardsway to run half the pitch (which was a little small) to cross the whitewash under the posts allowing Rezza the easiest of nudges  33 - 0. 

Immediately from the kick off Stuart (make sure you mention my nailed tackle) Brunt took clean ball, fed James Marshall who cut through the entire Ashfield defence (including Podge who had gallantly agreed to make up the opposition numbers) to score under the posts. Rezza, yet again, added the nudge  40 - 0. 

Ashfield had their best spell of the half putting Derby under a lot of pressure close to the Derby line. Stout defence from Derby held out the Ashfield pack. Having moved the play upfield, a stolen ball from the opposition pack saw Dr Jimbob cross for his third (I ain’t going to hear the end of this – reporter) try which unfortunately Rezza was unable to convert  45 - 0. 

The referee decided to blow for half time and notified both teams that period two would last only 20 minutes!!!!!!!! Numerous changes were made by Derby with ‘Fudgeboy’, Dog, Buzzy, Howardsway, Onion, Goosey and Sam Mint, sorry Everton coming off. 

The 2^nd half commenced with loads of Derby pressure resulting in ........ nothing. 

More pressure resulted in an Ashfield lineout being stolen by James Marshall who crashed over unopposed. The ref decided that nudges were now no longer necessary so it was now  50 - 0, technically the end of the game. 

Now for it, as Ashfield tried to mount an attack Brunty totally nailed the Ashfield player (nice tackle!!!)  allowing Matt (no fudge or hair straighteners for me) Freer to go close. With the Derby lads having made various positional changes, which the coaching staff had no control over, yet another Derby attack resulted in Browny crossing the line for the score. Yet again no nudge.  55 - 0. 

Ashfield increased the pressure on Derby's line and from a clearance from the Derby tryline by Dr Moptop, Rezza collected, took play downfield, and with support released Browny to score again. No nudge  60 - 0. 

An injury to an Ashfield player saw Captain Howardsway join the opposition for the last few minutes before the referee decided he had had enough and blew the final whistle. 

The multitude of travelling Derby supporters were satisfied with a convincing win over spirited, if somewhat inexperienced, opposition. 

Afterthought - Bring back the usual match reporter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

What a full blooded, action packed, end-to-end local derby. The first twenty minutes saw both teams using the full length of the pitch. After some Chesterfield pressure Stu Brunt was sent to the bin to sit on the naughty step! Chesterfield scored from the resulting penalty. 5-0.

Derby, however showed great resilience and were soon back in the game From a lineout Fraz delivered the ball to the hands of Dog “ good boy” Harrison who fed out to stand in scrum half Bozzy.

Derby were then awarded a penalty and from the scrum Browny was able to deliver the ball out to new boy Ashbourne “ cactus” Jack Duckworth (that really is his name!). Diving over the Jack evened the score 5-5.

Just before half time Chesterfield, who kept the pressure on, scored again. Another penalty against Derby led to a kick down field. Derby couldn’t deal with the bouncing ball and Chesterfield made the most of it. 10-5 at half time. 

From the kick off Jordie sent Browny away who passed the ball out to Goosey who unfortunately knocked on. From the Chesterfield scrum Derby turned the ball over. Browny was able to send cactus Jack who ran out for his second try of the match.10-10.

For the next 15 minutes Derby were camped on the Chesterfield line but turnover after turnover saw Chesterfield hold out through great defence. Derby were soon under attack again and the Chesterfield scrum half darted over the line from a penalty to make the score 15-10. Derby tried to get back into the game but just before the end Chesterfield scored another try and a conversion. Final score 22-10. 

AFTER THOUGHT……… 

These local derby games are always difficult; players are known too each other etc.

Derby I feel should have won. We made a lot of mistakes. The lineout again weren’t very good and when camped on Chesterfields line we should have scored. In saying this every player on both sides gave 100% and every one of them knew they had been in a game of Rugby.

Unlucky lads!. We take the defeat on the chin and we come back stronger.

Well done to Chesterfield and good luck in the competition. Well done to the Ref also who did a very good job throughout. 

Just one more point from me.

I was approached by one of the parents after the game who said I was a bit over the top with my views and occasionally too loud and that its effecting some of the players. I apologise if I have upset any of the under17’s or parents. Anybody who truly knows me understands that I wear my heart on my sleeve and always will and I’m sorry if this has upset you.

From the Kick off a knock on by Matlock gave Derby their first scrum. Martin (dog) Harrison feed the ball out to Jordy Hollis who passed to Matt Freer who was then unfortunately driven into touch. Derby stole the line out and James Marshall scored in the corner. 5-0.

From the kick off Matlock were awarded a scrum and from the kick through “Birthday boy” Bozzy set off on a run then passing out to Matt.K who sent Captain Tommy.H away on a sixty yard run. Tommy off loaded in the tackle to Jordy (not a hair out of place) Hollis who scored in the corner 10-0 . A great Kick from the touchline by Stef ( Ash Blonde Number 3) Greenhalgh ; made it 12-0 to an ever increasingly confident Derby. By now Derby were on fire! A break from Tommy.H sent Matt (can I use my staightners at half time) Unwin away. A penalty to Derby and a quick ball from Stef enabled Fraz to crash over the line. ( that’s Fraz junior or aka “shiny conker” as it says on the hair dye he is currently using !!) 17-0.

Rezza picked up a Matlock clearance and Passed to another new player for this season Elliot Ryder who fed the ball out to Dave (ask your dad if we can have driving lessons) Clay.

James (I’m all over this match report) Marshall stole the lineout and set up the maul and saw Sam “ birthday, debut boy” Everton crash over the line to cap an impressive first game for Derby.

Final score 77-5 

After thought………………..

After seeing two of our player’s leave to join Notts and two players leave to join Leicester academy it was always going to be interesting….

Kofi Anan Brunt was missing also and reports varied as to the reason for this. Some say he was infilling for the Stig !!

How were Derby going to Play…………………………..???? Very well was the answer. A high tempo, in your face game. Forwards and backs supporting each other all over the pitch. 13 try’s scored. 7 by forwards 6 by backs. This showed we can play rugby up front or out wide. Well done Lads it was great to watch !!

Welcome to our new boys Yorkshire Sam, Elliot Ryder and Bahrain Alex (hello to Mum and Dad over there if you are reading this !!). Every player helped to get the season off to a fantastic start. Thanks to Nige (the professional) Burdge for running the touch with his usual flair.