Derby UKD travelled to
Old Northamptonians, looking to take a firm grip on second place in the league,
while also keeping up the pressure on leaders Loughborough Students.
Derby UKD kicked off,
playing down the slope, but it was Old Northamptonians who had the first chance
to score, unfortunately for them, the penalty fell short.
5 minutes into the half
Brett Beckham kicked a penalty to take the lead, but 4 minutes later Old
Northamptonians replied with a penalty of their own.
Derby UKD were gradually
taking control of the game, spending large periods of time in the Old
Northamptonians 22.
A combination of dropped
passes and being held up over the line, ensured the score remained level, until
8 minutes before the break, when Brett Beckham was successful with his second
penalty.
Half time saw Derby UKD
leading 6 – 3, would they regret missed chances, with Old Northamptonians
playing down hill ?
Derby UKD again started
on the offensive, putting Old Northamptonians under huge pressure, but unable to
break through.
The referee lost patience
with Old Northamptonians infringements, after 15 minutes of the second half and
sent the flanker to the sin bin. 5 minutes later the replacement prop followed.
This was the cue for
Derby UKD to push on and take the lead. A line out was won and the forwards
drove over the line, Richard Robinson touching the ball down. Brett Beckham
added the conversion.
Derby UKD were now in
complete control and after 28 minutes, further pressure saw Nick Coley break
through tackles and touch down under the posts. The Brett Beckham conversion
was a formality and Derby UKD had a 20 – 03 lead.
The icing was put on the
cake, with 2 minutes left, when an excellent passing move saw Alex Preece cut
back inside and show blistering pace to sprint clear and score. Brett Beckham
made it 5 out of 5 with the conversion and Derby UKD had a 27 – 03 victory.
This was an outstanding
performance. Derby UKD simply ran Old Northamptonians to pieces. Each player
was immense, as the ball was kept in hand and not kicked away.
At the Christmas break,
Derby UKD have shown the standard they can achieve; if they maintain it then, 2nd
place, at least, will be assured and Loughborough Students will be looking over
their shoulders rather nervously.
Come on Derby UKD !
Match Report by Richard
Bambra
