Derby UKD travelled to Northampton looking to extend their winning run.  A wet, muddy pitch with a strong wind suggested that a feast of free flowing rugby was unlikely ; this proved to be the case as a dour game unfolded.

Derby UKD made their characteristic slow start and Northampton Old Scouts had the lead after 4 minutes with a try.

3 minutes later, Derby UKD were level when Jim Witcombe stole the Northampton line out ball and crashed over from close range.

Derby UKD had the wind at their backs during the first half, but failed to take advantage, despite camping in the opposition 22 for the majority of the next 30 minutes.  2 missed penalties from Brett Beckham meant the sides turned around level, at 5 – 5.

Northampton Old Scouts now had the opportunity to use the wind and pin Derby UKD back. The first play of the half saw the Northampton fly half launch the ball into the Derby UKD 22; the Derby UKD supporters feared the worst!

Northampton took the lead with a penalty after 18 minutes of the second half. 

At this stage Mark Bradley entered the fray, along with Paul Burrows.

Derby UKD won a penalty, which Nick Coley kicked to the corner.  The line out was won and Derby UKD applied the 8 man shove.  By the time the line was crossed this had become a 15 man shove allowing Kirk Ashan to touch down.

Derby UKD finally had a 10 – 8 lead and 3 tries in the last 6 minutes gave the scoreline a rather misleading slant.

A scrappy spell of play allowed Simon Rolfs to cross for his first try since mid September, before Mark Bradley pounced on a loose ball and scored his first try of the season.

More pressure allowed Richard Sparkes to take a line-out ball , allowing John Turner to score the final try of the afternoon.

Nick Coley converted the final 2 tries, the last one a beautiful touchline kick into the wind, to leave the score 29 – 8 in Derby UKDs favour.

The Derby UKD forwards worked hard and produced good ball, but the backs did not seem to be on the same wavelength and produced little of consequence.

Derby UKD certainly deserved to win, although the scoreline probably flattered them.  A big improvement will be needed next week when league leaders Loughborough Students come to Haslams.  It is early days for a title decider, but given that Loughborough Students have won every game, defeat for Derby UKD would make life difficult, to say the least !

Come on Derby UKD !

Match Report by Richard Bambra