Crunch time arrived for Derby UKD when unbeaten Old Northamptonians arrived at Haslams. Filini Mafi was declared unfit, so Tim Lawson moved into the centre, with Alex Preece playing on the wing. Derby UKD started well, pinning Old Northamptonians back in their own half. An early Brett Beckham penalty slid just wide, but Derby UKD continued to pound the Old Northamptonians line. A good run by Alex Preece was stopped just short of the line after 10 minutes.

Old Northamptonians lost 2^nd row Brad West to the sin bin after 21 minutes, but despite two 5 metre scrums against 7 forwards, Derby UKD could not take advantage of the situation. Old Northamptonians finally broke into the Derby UKD half and were narrowly wide with a drop goal attempt.

The first  score, which Derby UKD deserved, arrived after 34 minutes. Fly half, Ian Thompson, kicked a penalty to touch. The throw was caught and the pack drove over the line, allowing captain, Jim Witcombe, to touch down. Brett Beckham added the extras.

Mutterings were heard that, having finally taken the lead, Derby UKD would relax and allow Old Northamptonians to score. Incredibly, it came to pass. 2 minutes later Old Northamptonians were level; missed tackles allowed Ian Rogers to score and Jack Green to convert. This proved to be the half time score; 7 – 7.

Early in the 2^nd half, John Heggie and Kirk Ashan both had to depart injured; Mark Bradley and Martin Dodds joined the fray. 11 minutes of the 2^nd half had been played when Old Northamptonians took the lead. The forwards created the pressure and when the ball went down the line Ian Rogers was able to ease over for his 2^nd try of the day.

A run, by man of the match, Nick Southern resulted in a penalty, which Brett Beckham converted. Jack Green soon replied for Old Northamptonians. 19 minutes remained, when Tim Lawson made a crucial break, slicing through the opposition, before his pass found Alex Preece, who scored.  A magnificent, touchline conversion from Brett Beckham gave Derby UKD a 17 – 15 lead. Despite some late scares, including a sin binning for Simon Rolfs, this proved to be the final score.

Derby UKD showed impressive character, to dig deep and grind out a win. Northampton Old Scouts are next ! Come on Derby UKD !