After securing their place in the NLD Cup S-F the Derby U16’s and their Coaching Team didn’t have long to wait for confirmation of the opponents we all expected – if only I could have got a bookie to take my wager I would be writing this from a beach somewhere exotic! But who would have bet against our name coming out of the hat alongside that of Lincoln given that we met in the S-F’s at U13’s, in the Final at U14’s (“the day the music died”), we were in the same pool at U15’s and so it seemed inevitable that we would meet them once again. As Lincoln are the reigning Cup holders we knew this was going to be a very tough fixture and having suffered at their hands (and boots) last season we also knew our players would be sorely tested once more.

The Derby squad travelled over to Sleaford (once again) slightly disappointed that the weather was sunny and breezy (cold and wet had been requested!) knowing that the wind can be a dominant factor in games in this part of rural Lincolnshire. The squad was light given the injuries to James Waterhouse and Joe Williamson and the pace of these two would definitely be missed.

As the second half got underway it soon became clear that the Derby players had taken on board the Coach’s comments and following a series of driving mauls and improved rucking they worked their way into the Lincoln 22 where the “2 Joes” (Wilkinson and Pass) combined at a line out to allow the pack to drive Joe Pass over for a try. At 15-10 it was certainly game on and Derby continued to try and apply sufficient pressure to force the next score. Once again though it was the Lincoln backs who struck. After using the wind better than Derby had been able to in the first half the Lincoln fly half had Derby defending deep in their 22 and a well worked move in the midfield led to a Lincoln try under the posts enabling them to stretch their lead to 22-10. At this point it would have been understandable for a few heads to drop and thoughts of “it’s not our day” to surface in the Derby ranks but to their credit they came again. After working their way into the Lincoln 22 Derby were awarded a penalty which they had to run. As they did so the Jekyll in Lincoln reappeared and following a late shoulder charge by a Lincoln lock on the Derby scrum-half the referee awarded Derby a penalty try under the posts. This was a cheap shot by the Lincoln forward that was further punished by the conversion being added. However, this scribe would question why (given that the referee saw the incident as serious foul play and thus awarded the penalty try) wasn’t the culprit also given time on the sidelines to calm down and reflect on his cowardly act? As it was, Derby were within a score of completing a stirring second half but they were unable to seriously threaten the Lincoln try line again and Lincoln were able to spend precious minutes in the Derby half. A penalty awarded to Lincoln was within kicking range and was duly slotted to close out any real possibility of a Derby come-back. Still Derby came forward, determined to at least have the last say in defeat. Sadly the game ended on a sour note with the Derby players and parents alike incensed by a shocking challenge on the Derby Centre by the Lincoln Hooker. The referee blew for full time and to our relief the Derby player was not injured but in a sense the damage had been done.

Given the genuine talent for the game displayed by the majority of the Lincoln team today it is a shame that some of their number continue to display an approach to the game that does them no credit. Rugby is a sport that should be about winning or losing with equal dignity – today, sadly, it was difficult to achieve either.

Derby points scorers: Tries: Ollie Ruddock, Joe Pass, Penalty Try. Conversion: Enan Kenyon

The following players did their best to play within the spirit of the game today: Joe Wilkinson ©, Ryan Holmes, Joe Pass, Tom Rusga, Josh Harvey, Ryan Jones, Lewis Bracey, Callum Proctor, Bradley Haywood, Jordan Hughes, Ollie Ruddock, Chris Ruggins, Enan Kenyon, Rory Sharrat, Vlod Surma, Sam Hallam-Gray, Tom Thompson, Lewis Thompson, Stefen Hayes, Jonathan Murney.

The waiting was finally over this morning when the delayed pool game of the NLD Cup brought Southwell to Haslams for what by now had become the pool decider with a place in the Semi-Final the reward for the victors.

The conditions were very good with only a strong wind blowing to hinder open running rugby. Southwell won the toss and decided to play with the elements in their favour in the first half. The game began with both sides probing and an exchange of phases of possession. The Southwell 10 soon revealed a very accurate boot by pinning Derby back in their half using the wind at his back to good effect. An infringement at a scrum gave the same player a chance to demonstrate an equally effective place kicking technique and Southwell took the lead 0-3. A couple of minutes later and Derby once again found themselves on the wrong end of a blast of the ref’s whistle and the Southwell lead was extended to 0-6 with a second successful Penalty converted by the no.10.

After a few weeks off Derby were slow to start but responded well to a very spirited effort from a Southwell side who will feel the final score-line doesn’t reflect their contribution to the game. This was a tough game with a lot at stake but it was played in a terrific spirit and both sides deserve great credit for that.

So, another trip to Sleaford beckons and this scribe can only hope that whoever Derby are drawn to play it will be an occasion played as fairly as today’s game.

Today’s points scorers were: Tries: Ryan Holmes (2) Chris Ruggins, Enan Kenyon. Conversions: Ollie Ruddock (3).

The successful squad today were: Joe Wilkinson ©, Jordan Hughes, Enan Kenyon, Rory Sharrat, Lewis Thompson, Sam Hallam – Gray, Stefen Hayes, Jonathan Murney, Ollie Ruddock, Ryan Holmes, Ryan Jones, Tom Rusga, Vlod Surma, Tom Thompson, Lewis Bracey, Callum Proctor, Josh Harvey, Joe Williamson, Bradley Haywood, Joe Pass, Chris Ruggins.

Match Report by Paul Wilkinson

So the wet weather finally relented and it was an almost spring like morning today for our annual trip down to Stamford – as this was a key cup game we chose to travel down by coach to ensure the best preparation for this eagerly awaited contest. With Stamford needing to win to keep their interest in this year’s competition alive a hard morning was anticipated.

The second half continued to be competitively fought without either side able to establish a consistently strong platform with errors due to the strong wind or the referees whistle all too prevalent. After 20 minutes of toil with Stamford testing the Derby defence without success Derby were somewhat fortunate to score a breakaway try after a good interception by Chris Ruggins was well supported by Ollie Ruddock who accepted the pass to score a vital try which he also converted. With a quarter of an hour to go and Stamford needing to score at least twice a barnstorming finish was expected and Phil was unable to make the changes he would have liked by this point in the game. Some last ditch defending was required to keep Stamford out – of particular note was a storming recovery tackle by Enan Kenyon inches from the Derby try line – but Derby were not to be denied and they closed out the game to secure a 14 – 0 victory.

Despite not finding our best form the lads dug out a victory and for the second cup game in a row didn’t concede a point which is not to be underestimated against this Stamford side who went all the way to the final last season. Once again, a highly competitive game was played in a good spirit which has always been our experience of visiting this part of Lincolnshire and for which Stamford deserves credit and our thanks.

It was good to see Matt Fuller from Stamford on the touchline following his recent injury and we wish him continued progress following his recent operations.

The following players formed the squad for today’s hard fought affair: Joe Wilkinson ©, Sam Hallam-Gray, Callum Proctor, Joe Pass, Josh Harvey, Lewis Bracey, Brad Haywood, Ryan Holmes, Jordan Hughes, Ollie Ruddock, Chris Ruggins, Enan Kenyon, Vlod Surma, James Waterhouse, Lewis Thompson, Rory Sharrat, Robbie Newport, Stefen Haynes and Tom Thompson.

Match Report by Paul Wilkinson and Photographs by Adrian Holmes

So the wait is over! After kicking their heels last week due to the rearranged Southwell fixture the Derby U16’s got their NLD Cup campaign under way with a home fixture against local rivals Mansfield. The weather was much as expected (Grey, damp and cold with a strong wind) and the pitch conditions looked set to play a big role in the type of game that would unfold today. Derby welcomed back Ryan Holmes, Josh Harvey and Tom Rusga from NLD duty and James Waterhouse, Ryan Jones and Chris Ruggins from injury and so Head Coach Phil Jepson was able to select from a full strength squad (for probably the first time this season since the Lexus tournament in September!).

During the interval Phil stressed the need to play to the conditions and stay focussed as Mansfield would be looking to come back strongly. From the kick off Derby were fortunate to regain the ball after a some careless play but what followed was surprising given the poor handling conditions. The Derby backs moved the ball right to left and from within their half winger Vlod Surma streaked down the touchline before cutting infield to score under the Mansfield posts. With the conversion from Ollie, Derby had established a 28-0 lead with over half an hour to go. The momentum Derby had built in the latter stages of the first half continued into the second such that Mansfield struggled to take advantage of having the wind in their favour. When they did threaten the Derby half they found a home defence in a mean mood determined not to concede any points with Lewis Bracey once again effective in defence and Rory Sharrat putting in a key clearance kick and chase to relieve Mansfield pressure. When Derby did work their way up-field they continued to turn position into points with a try for Ryan Holmes (having a strong game at No. 8) and further tries for Joe Pass (following an excellent move by Jordan) and Joe Wilkinson to round off an impressive second half which all the squad can take confidence from. With only one of these tries being converted by Ollie the final score was 45-0.

Despite being on the end of this score-line Mansfield fought to the end and their commitment and endeavour will be rewarded on another day. The match was played in an excellent spirit throughout, competitive but fair as it should be. Thank-you for the support for both teams on the side-lines which, given the conditions, was much appreciated.

No rest for the winners though as we welcome Southwell to Haslam’s next week-end for the second pool game in the NLD Cup. Let’s hope for better weather and another cracking game.

Today’s points scorers were: Tries: Joe W & Joe P (2 each) Ryan H, Jordan H and Vlod S. Conversions: Ollie R 5 from 7.

The following players combined to fashion today’s victory: Joe Wilkinson ©, Josh Harvey, Callum Proctor, Joe Pass, Ryan Jones, Lewis Bracey, Joe Williamson, Ryan Holmes, Jordan Hughes, Ollie Ruddock, Chris Ruggins, Enan Kenyon, Vlod Surma, Rory Sharrat, Lewis Thompson, Tom Rusga, James Waterhouse, Brad Haywood, Stefan Haynes and Sam Hallam-Gray.

When the Tigers of Derby last met the Foxes of Coalville it was the Big Cats who came out on top a week before Coalville went on to win the Leicestershire Cup. Phil had been pleased with the timing of this fixture anticipating a very tough match to send us into the Christmas Break before the NLD Cup begins in the New Year. Sadly, the extended demands of the NLD Representative side, injury and unavailability of players meant that for the second time this season the Tigers were shorn of their claws as they travelled into Leicestershire with only 17 players. However, whereas the previous occasion had produced a disappointing performance at Melton, the adversity on this occasion was to produce a performance to warm the hands on a raw winter’s morning with a definite nip in the air (see below). 

From the kick off the strength of the Coalville side was plain to see: a big set of highly mobile forwards were to be a handful all morning, an organised back line well marshalled by a strong booted fly half turned defence quickly into attack and all this combined with an all round cunning at the fringes, on the floor and on the offside line that was worthy of the Coalville Emblem. When the Foxes took a first half lead thanks to some customary generosity in the tackle the Derby faithful braving the pitch-side chill must have thought it was going to be a long morning. Whilst the conversion was being taken (unsuccessfully) Phil gathered the lads together to help them with their focus!  

This seemed to do the trick as the Tigers put some bite into their play and started to claw their way into the game and began to get the measure of the Foxes. Sadly this drew some bite from the Foxes (literally!) which the Referee had to have very stern words about to prevent things spilling over. The first half continued to be very competitive and the commitment from both teams was strong and was typified by the equalizing try the Tigers constructed. Having secured some good ball in the forwards (who were beginning to live up to the use of the word pack) the backs were beginning to make ground and when one particular attacking phase looked to have been halted it was the irrepressible Enan Kenyon who forced his way over the Foxes try line when he had no right to do so. Ollie Ruddock added the conversion that saw the Tigers reach half time 7-5 to the good. 

The second half continued to be nip and tuck with the Tigers holding firm in the face of continued Fox cunning. Captain Joe Wilkinson was having a barn-storming game at No. 8 and was superbly supported by the pack – in particular the muscular Joe Pass and our own cunning fox Lewis Bracey. Behind the pack Jordan Hughes was tenacious whilst Ollie continued to try and unlock the Foxes defence unleashing Vlod Surma whenever possible. When the Foxes did counter it was often the defence of Enan Kenyon that repelled them. As the second half unfolded it became clear that the first score in the last quarter would prove crucial. Not for the first time this season the Tigers spurned a possible 3 points to go for 7 and whilst this is to be applauded in games such as this it needs to be reappraised for the Cup games to come. As it was the wily fox had the final say as they worked their way into Tigers territory and finally got the try that took them ahead 10 – 7. With little time to respond Derby tried valiantly to rescue a game they didn’t deserve to lose and a break upfield saw Callum Proctor and Sam Hallam-Gray to the fore in support but it was to no avail. 

So the Foxes were top dogs but this was a performance to be proud of by a makeshift Tigers side whose resources were once again stretched to the limit. Despite the reverse the squad can go into the New Year confident that the spirit in this team remains strong in the Eye of the Tiger. 

The following player’s efforts went unrewarded today: Joe Wilkinson ©, Lewis Bracey, Joe Pass, Jamie Doyle, Callum Proctor, Sam Hallam-Gray, Bradley Haywood, Big Josh, Stefen Hayes, Tom Thomson, Enan Kenyon, Vlod Surma, Ollie Ruddock, Rory Sharrat, Jonathan Murney, Lewis Thompson & Jordan Hughes.

The trip over to Melton Mowbray is always eagerly anticipated as past games have been keenly contested affairs played to a high standard. For this reason Phil selected the strongest squad available to him although our squad resources were stretched with the absence of 5 first XV players due to illness or unavailability. Consequently only 17 players made the journey on a fresh autumnal morning to the Pork Pie capital of the world. 

The first half saw Derby playing with the elements (strong cross wind and the slope) and it was important to capitalise by getting some points on the board. Derby started brightly with the forwards quickly into their stride against a large and combative Melton pack. Sadly the possession that was hard earned was often spurned through a combination of poor decision making and execution in the backs which led to a lack of real penetration. Too often the play would falter in midfield when we needed to stretch play use the space out wide. On the plus side the new combinations in the backs were defending stoutly and did repel the Melton attacks that were frequent as possession and territory were fairly evenly shared in an absorbing and competitive first half. The two sets of forwards were particularly well matched with some strong performances evident for both teams. 

As the first half ended scoreless there was a sense of unease in the Derby camp that an opportunity had been missed and a tough second half was to follow. 

Playing against the elements it was important that Derby started the second half by getting into the Melton half and applying some pressure. The start of the second half continued to be nip and tuck but there was a sense that Melton were beginning to enjoy the better of the territory battle. The breakthrough for the home team came from what seemed a slightly harsh penalty award which they used to pin Derby in our 22. A catch and drive from a line out was driven over by the forwards for a try in the corner. An excellent conversion stretched Melton’s lead to 7-0. Derby needed to regroup and put a period of sustained pressure together but this was a tough ask as Melton were making better use of the conditions than we had done. They also made more progress through their backs and from one foray in the Derby half Melton were to benefit from some very poor Derby defending as they crossed for a second try in the opposite corner. The conversion was missed this time.

Derby were determined to get back into the game and continued to search for a breakthrough but sadly one attempt to make progress on the blind-side led to an easy Melton interception resulting in a third try being conceded. A second successful conversion gave Melton a 19-0 lead. This was to be the final score as Melton withstood Derby’s attempts to get on the scoreboard and closed out the game. 

All in all a tough morning with some tough lessons which need to be taken on board and learnt from quickly. A game of two halves with a promising first half (albeit scoreless) undermined by costly errors in the second which saw us chasing a game we had generally competed well in. It was a frustrating day for the forwards who worked very hard to contain a strong Melton pack and deserved something from the game. We look forward to getting our full squad back fit to work on the lessons from today’s defeat. 

The following players took part in today’s game: Joe Wilkinson ©, Lewis Bracey, Chris Ruggins, Joe Pass, Josh Harvey, Callum Proctor, Ryan Jones, Scott Mill, Joe Williamson, Rory Sharrat, Enan Kenyon, Jamie Doyle, Robbie Newport, Tom Thomson, Lewis Thompson, Jonathan Murney and Jordan Hughes.

A typical autumnal morning provided the setting for the local Derby vs. Melbourne. With 3 players on NLD duty, 4 called up for U17’s duty and 3 further 1^st XV absentees today’s game was an opportunity to test the strength & depth of the squad. With 2 U15’s playing up a squad of 20 lads was available for Phil to juggle by the time the game kicked off. The wind had dropped sympathetically by kick off and the threatening rain never materialised so conditions were set fair for a competitive game. After the Armistice Day silence was impeccably observed the game began under the watchful of eye of a society ref who had been a last minute draft for a willing Glyn Castledine (we’ll keep that pleasure for another day Glyn!). 

The early exchanges were nip and tuck with neither side able to settle into a rhythm and unforced errors repeatedly causing a breakdown in the flow of the play. Defences were on top in the first quarter although both teams were striving to build a platform to impose themselves on the game with their attacking play. The deadlock was broken in the second quarter when Ollie Ruddock feigned to pass on two occasions but broke the defensive line himself to finish off a well taken try. The conversion was neatly slotted by Rory Lynn who was settling in well to his first game playing up an age group. The remainder of the half was scoreless but was still competitive and tense – Phil was ringing the changes to try different options ensuring that all the squad were getting a good opportunity to demonstrate how they are developing. A 7-0 score-line in Derby’s favour would be welcome at Pride Park right now but had the coaching team frustrated.

After the half time pep talk Derby turned around with their resolve increased, determined to cut out the unforced errors and infringements that had restricted the first half performance. There was a momentum building in the third quarter with Derby spending an increasing amount of time in the Melbourne half but they were prevented from adding to their score by some stout Melbourne defence. This was particularly true out wide where a number of try scoring tackles kept Derby at bay.

The breakthrough finally came through the forwards who worked their way over from a lineout with Sam Hallam - Gray emerging with the ball to claim a deserved try. Rory Lynn stepped up again to slot home a difficult conversion. The second try seemed to settle Derby’s nerves as they responded well from the kick off to continue pressurising the Melbourne 22m line. Following another flowing backs move Callum Smith took his chance to cross the Melbourne try line in the right hand corner providing another stiff conversion test for Rory Lynn – who was equal to it once more! Despite being 3 tries down Melbourne continued to search for a consolation try and had a spell of pressure. A lineout inside the Derby 22m line began as an important defensive take by the Derby forwards who then proceeded to take 20m off the Melbourne pack with an excellent 8 man rolling maul. When the ball was spun out Rory Lynn put in an intelligent cross field kick which was collected superbly by Ollie Ruddock who ran around the Melbourne defence to touch down nearer the posts. Rory Lynn maintained his 100% record on the conversions to give a final score of 28 – 0.  

A comfortable win in the end but the Derby squad had to work hard to overcome a committed Melbourne side who deserved more than a 4 try to nil reverse. There was plenty for Phil and the coaching team to work on in the coming weeks in order to cut out the unforced errors and lapses in decision making.  

On a positive note the game benefited from an excellent display by the referee who would be very welcome to repeat his performance in the future! The game was played in a good spirit and provided an ideal opportunity for both Rory Lynn and Max Argyle to play up an age group today – they both acquitted themselves very well. 

The following players combined to secure today’s victory: Ollie Ruddock ©, Lewis Bracey, Callum Proctor, Sam Hallam – Gray, Jamie Doyle, Louis Foster, Bradley Haywood, Max Argyle, Joe Williamson, Jordan Hughes, Enan Kenyon, Rory Lynn, Rory Sharrat, Stefan Hayes, Lewis Thompson, Robbie Newport, Scott Mills, Tom Thomson, Callum Smith and Max Alcock.

The morning after the night before began with an autumnal mist that suggested a fine morning would follow – and so it proved as we welcomed Paviors to Haslam to find the best tonic to the disappointment of the RWC07 final result. The lessons from England’s over-performance at RWC07 will doubtless be explored at length in the coming weeks but the key one for Derby U16’s should be that a team’s spirit can elevate performance above the level that can be achieved by talent alone. No better way to test that spirit, after last week-ends disappointment, than a tough game against a Paviors team who have provided some memorable games down the seasons.  

By the time the game kicked off the mist had been burnt off by the October sunshine which must have been in the eyes of the watching supporters as they struggled to make out the figure in the middle with the whistle! A late call up meant that yours truly had to step in to officiate in today’s game which means this will be the last reference to the refereeing in today’s report!

Paviors continued to show their spirit by pushing for a third try that their contribution to this game deserved but Derby’s defence, desperate as it was at times, held firm to leave them victorious with the final score-line 31 – 14.  

A tough but satisfying morning given that Phil had to juggle the squad once more to accommodate the absence of some key players. It was vital that we had Jordan Hughes back at scrum half today to give Ollie Ruddock a better platform to work with although we still need to work on the slickness of our handling and lines of running. With only 3 front row forwards available it was a credit to the pack that they performed so stoutly throughout, particularly at prop where Lewis Bracey and Sam Hallam-Gray demonstrated that they can step in and perform at the required level. 

The following squad members contributed to today’s victory: Lewis Bracey, Callum Proctor, Sam Hallam-Gray, Ryan Jones, Joe Wilkinson ©, Bradley Haywood, Joe Williamson, Ryan Holmes, Jordan Hughes, Ollie Ruddock, Chris Ruggins, Jonathan Murney, Rory Sharrat, Vlod Surma, James Waterhouse, Reps: Lewis Thompson, Callum Smith, Tom Thomson, Louis Foster, Jamie Doyle, Max Alcock.

Match Report by Paul Wilkinson and Photographs by Adrian Holmes

As a tribute to the staggering rejuvenation of England at RWC07 I had hoped to be able to litter today’s report with some “pigeon French” but today’s game was a torrid local derby that had more of the stereotypical English bulldog spirit than French Flair to write about. Plus ca change! 

We travelled up to Matlock on a grey, mizzly morning knowing that, for a combination of reasons, our squad would be depleted to the extent that we only had a starting front row with no cover options, no recognised no.9 and a requirement to try some different combinations throughout the side. In the absence of Head Coach (Phil Jepson) and Forwards Coach (Jim Proctor) it was left to Backs Coach Paul Wilkinson and his fresh faced coaching assistant (Ryan Holmes, rested ahead of the NLD game next week) to try and work out how best to juggle the squad. 

Thanks to Matlock for their hospitality and good luck for the rest of the season.

Despite this being the first loss of the season, a challenging morning did provide opportunities for a number of players in the squad to try new positions and gain valuable experience. It did highlight the need for us to work to improve the depth of the squad as cover in key positions was severely stretched today. This will need to be a focus for Wednesday evening development training given that we have limited opportunities on Sundays – next weeks game, Sandbach at home, is expected to be another tough fixture in which we will need to field our strongest XV available.  

The following players contributed to today’s valiant effort: Lewis Bracey, Callum Proctor, Joe Pass, Ryan Jones, Joe Wilkinson ©, Robbie Newport, Bradley Haywood, Joe Williamson, Lewis Thompson, Ollie Ruddock, Chris Ruggins, Enan Kenyon, Callum Smith, Rory Sharrat, James Waterhouse, Reps: Tom Thomson, Jonathan Murney, Louis Foster. 

The visit of Stoke was eagerly anticipated as we have always found them to be a good, well drilled side who play expansive rugby. We were also looking forward to locking horns with another of Staffordshire’s top sides at our age group after last season’s victories over Burton and Lichfield. The game kicked off on a fair autumnal morning with the sun breaking through to raise the temperature although, as it transpired, the game wouldn’t need any assistance hotting up! The initial phases were high tempo, physical fare with both sides quickly into their game. Derby were the first to apply pressure with the tight forwards working a maul over the Stoke line but the ref was unsighted and couldn’t award the try for Captain Joe Wilkinson. However, from the resulting scrum a Derby take against the head (from Callum Proctor) led to Tom Rusga crashing over from 5m out to open the scoring. Ollie Ruddock landed the conversion to get Derby off to flying start after only 5 minutes.

The last two games have highlighted how the selection strategy for the U16’s will work this season – for most away games a squad will be selected to travel (with next weeks visit to local rivals Matlock being an exception when all the squad are required to travel although not all will play) whilst for home games all the squad can attend training before the match although it is anticipated that a maximum of 22 players will be used (and quite possibly less). As stated previously, the coaching team will select squads to try and ensure that we are competitive in all matches that take place.

For our first away fixture of the season we took the well travelled roads to Sleaford where we knew a good pitch awaited as well as a warm welcome and a match that is always played in a good spirit – it was to be no different on this occasion! Following the exertions at last weeks Lexus Festival a development squad was selected but with a core of 1^st XV players to provide a good mix.

Our 15-a-side season got off to a great start under clear blue skies on a very fine autumnal morning with the side being led out by new team captain Joe Wilkinson.  As if taking their cue from the Lexus Festival performance, Derby were quickly into their stride and put together a number of good phases involving both forwards and backs which was important given the new look to the side. The early Derby pressure was rewarded with a couple of scores through the forwards to settle the side although Sleaford did hit back following a rare foray into the Derby half and some quick thinking after being awarded a penalty. To their credit Derby responded well and exerted further pressure to add further tries despite stout defence from Sleaford and some very determined tackling. The second half continued along similar lines with some very pleasing continuity leading to seven tries being posted in all (which included a hat-trick from Joe Pass) along with 4 successful conversions (including one each from out wide by Enan Kenyon and Lewis Thompson.) The final score of 43 – 5 reflected a strong performance from this squad of players but didn’t truly reflect the contribution from a Sleaford team who pressed to the last whistle.

As the Coaching team had hoped the momentum was maintained by all the players who had made the long trip today and whilst there is much to build on in the weeks ahead the squad can go forward with confidence. 

Squad: Joe Wilkinson ©, Ryan Jones, Rory Sharrat, Jamie Doyle, Callum Smith, Enan Kenyon, Lewis Bracey, Lewis Thompson, Joseph Keble, Joe Pass, Sam Hallam-Gray, Jordan Hughes, Tom Thompson, Stefan Haynes, Brad Haywood, Robbie Newport, Jonathan Murney, Louis Foster. 

Scorers: Tries – Joe Wilkinson, Joe Pass (3), Jordan Hughes, Stefan Haynes, Lewis Thompson  Conversions; Enan Kenyon (3) Lewis Thompson.

Following the disappointment of falling short in last years final the opportunity to make amends in this year’s tournament meant that the U16’s came into their first pool game bristling with intent. Bolstered by having a full strength squad (the absence of key players last year having been crucial) they were straight into their game against a good, well organised Stourbridge side. The first score can often be vital in the 12-a-side format given that the scoring side retains the re-start and can put the opposition under pressure with an accurate kick-off. So it proved in the opening game with excellent forward play combining with a confidence and directness in the back play leading to an early score for Derby. A good contest ensued but with Derby’s forwards proving dominant in providing a ready supply of possession and the backs revelling in the extra space (afforded by the absence of 2 flankers and a full back in this format) further tries followed and Derby ran out 22 – 0 winners.

This highly encouraging start was followed by further pool wins against Kenilworth (17 - 0) and Walsall (31 - 0) with Derby’s all round game proving to be very solid in both attack and defence allowing the coaching team to make full use of the squad and give each player a good run out. Every player contributed to a really pleasing set of pool games but the lads knew only too well that they would have to stay focussed to the last whistle in this tournament.

A semi final tie against Norwich was the next challenge and the coaching team were aware of the strength of the Norwich club having seen their current U15’s win on last years Finals day at St. Albans. As expected a tight game ensued although Derby’s dominance was never seriously threatened and the final score of 24 - 0 saw Derby comfortably through to the final once more.

And so to the final where another new opponent awaited – Olney - who had come through from the other pool and had seen off our more local rivals in Nottingham and Hinckley so we knew they deserved respect. In the event Derby continued their dominant form and made sure that there was no repeat of last years slip up. Once again the tempo was dictated by Derby’s “6-pack” with all the forwards combining to be more than a match for the Olney pack. The possession they secured was put to good use by a cohesive back line but should have resulted in Derby crossing the Olney try line on more than the two occasions they managed – but this being the final small margins play a part and a “scoring pass” fell short on a couple of occasions. Consequently the final felt tense although Derby’s stout defence ensured that they ended the tournament victorious without conceding a point. A Final score of 10 – 0 to Derby was a credit to Olney’s part in a match played in the right spirit which was a fitting end to a great tournament.

So Derby’s U16’s have got the new season off to a winning start through a combination of focussed determination, application of their undoubted ability and a tremendous team spirit which was evident from the first whistle to the last. They continue to play hard but fair attacking rugby and are a credit to themselves and Derby RFC.  

The coaching team would like to thank the whole squad, their parents, families & friends who came together last Sunday to create another “day to remember” - we look forward to the season ahead. 

Lexus are to be congratulated on providing a tournament that, with its different format, presents the players with some new challenges but combines the exciting elements of “7’s” with something approaching the structure of the 15-a-side game. It is a great way to get into the new season and all the teams taking part played their part in a day where Rugby was the winner.