After the disappointment at Matlock, Derby UKD needed a strong performance against unbeaten Hinckley.

Derby UKD kicked off, but Hinckley were the first to show.  Missed tackles cost Derby UKD, as Bott cut through to score a try, which he converted.

The returning, inspirational Filini Mafi soon responded with a try of his own, showing tremendous determination to force his way over.  Brett Beckham added the conversion.

The Derby UKD pack, were struggling against the well drilled Hinckley forwards.

Hinckley took the lead with 2 minutes remaining in the half.   A Hinckley line out was caught and the forwards drove over the line. Prop, Stratford claiming the touch down, Bott again converting.

Brett Beckham had 2 penalty chances before the break, 1 of which he took, making the half time score 14 – 10 to Hinckley.

Derby UKD almost had the perfect start to the second half, with winger, Craig Hughes, touching down, but touching the corner flag as he did.

The respite for Hinckley did not last long, as a Craig Hughes run allowed Filini Mafi through to score.

After 17 minutes, Brett Beckham kicked a penalty, to extend the lead.

Derby UKD bolstered the scrum, by sending on the experience of Matt Bates and Mark Bradley.

5 minutes remained when a Nick Southern break, allowed Filini Mafi to score under the posts, completing a magnificent hat trick.. Brett Beckham added the extra 2 points and Derby seemed to be safe, 25 – 14 ahead.

The drama had only just begun !

Hinckley laid siege to the Derby UKD try line.  Derby UKD withstood the pressure and won a scrum.  Hinckley stole the ball and Graham scored an unconverted try deep in injury time.

Hinckley won the ball back and again pounded the Derby UKD try line.

The final play of the game saw Hinckley cross the line, only to be pulled back for a knock on.  Despair for Hinckley, but uncontained joy for Derby UKD.

This was a much improved performance from Derby UKD.  Excellent defence and discipline were the cornerstones of the victory.

The spark of brilliance was provided by hat trick hero, Filini Mafi !

There is a long way to go, but this was definitely a step in the right direction. Come on Derby UKD.

Match Report by Richard Bambra