Derby UKD travelled to
Melton, hoping to keep their winning run, in the league, going. Melton took the
field with the expected big pack; Derby UKD would have to nullify this threat
and use their speedy backs.
Melton could not have
asked for a better start. The Derby UKD players waved the Melton player through,
for a converted try after only 3 minutes. It took Derby UKD 13 minutes to
retaliate. A Craig Hughes break allowed John Heggie to sprint clear and touch
down in the corner. 7 minutes later Kirk Ashan earned both the displeasure of
the referee and 10 minutes in the sin bin. The resulting penalty struck the
post, but Melton stole the ball and scored another converted try.
A Brett Beckham penalty,
10 minutes before the break was the only response Derby UKD produced. Derby UKD
were behind 8 – 14, but had certainly dominated the final part of the half. A
good start to the second half could provide the impetus for a victory. This duly
arrived after 4 minutes. Rob Lucas raced clear, following a scrum and Brett
Beckham was on hand to accept the pass and touch down. He then converted to
give Derby UKD the lead.
2 tries in 2 minutes, 10
minutes later effectively killed the game off. Firstly the Derby UKD drove a
tiring Melton back over the try line; Kirk Ashan emerged with the ball and the
try scorer’s smile. From the kick off, Melton tried to move the ball; Filini
Mafi read the pass, intercepted and scored under the posts. With Brett Beckham
converting both tries, Derby UKD had a healthy 29 – 14 lead.
2 tries in the final 10
minutes confirmed Derby UKD’s superiority. The backs moved the ball down the
line, before a Filini Mafi pass found prop, Martin Kent, on the wing. He ran
through, to touch down under the posts. A Simon Rolfs break then allowed scrum
half, Rob Lucas to score his first try for the side. Brett Beckham converted
both, giving him a match tally of 18 points.
The final score of 43 –
14 to Derby UKD reflected their complete domination of the second half. A
pleasing performance overall, both forwards and backs contributing.
Unbeaten Old
Northamptonians are at Haslams next Saturday; by next Saturday evening we will
know a lot about Derby UKD’s chances of promotion ! Come on Derby UKD !
Match Report by Richard
Bambra
