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oldcorn
Moderator
United Kingdom
633 Posts |
 Posted - 07 March 2007 : 13:16:55
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Derby RFC 1st XV 13
Matlock RFC 1st XV 27
A tremendous second-half display from the visitors was the key to this victory over their local rivals, which enabled Matlock to claim second lace from Derby in Midlands Two East.
Matlock's defensive performance in particular was outstanding as they repelled waves of Derby attacks and turned the ball over on numerous occasions. Once ensconced deep in Derby territory, Matlock's forwards took charge and proceeded to score three converted tries to ensure the victory.
The first half was a cagey affair, which as a spectacle made for great radio, as each team sized the other up. Matlock scored first, after Derby had spurned an eminently kickable penalty, with Chris Young converting a simple shot at goal. But the home team dominated possession for the remainder of the first period.
Starved of the ball, Matlock struggled to impose themselves with any great authority and it was little surprise when Derby took a clean line-out catch and drove over the Matlock line for a try. Although the conversion was missed, Derby's dominance was rewarded further when
they converted a penalty to extend their lead to 8 - 3 at the break.
With Matlock having seen so little of the ball before half-time, they were delighted to have kept the gap at only five points and were aware that the first score after the turnaround would be crucial. This went Matlock's way in somewhat controversial circumstances. After Chris Young's searching left boot had put Matlock deep into the Derby 22, the home team struggled to clear.
Matlock were awarded a line-out, took a clean catch and proceeded to drive to within five metres of Derby's line. With the try looking a formality, as Matlock had total control of the ball, Derby's desperate defenders pulled down the maul and the referee promptly awarded a penalty try.
Although a first offence, it was a pretty blatant professional foul and the try would have been scored anyway, the referee's decision making Chris Young's conversion the simplest of tasks. Matlock had regained the initiative at 10 - 8.
As the second half continued, Derby tried to force their way through the middle of the Matlock ranks, reluctant to spread the ball wide, but the visiting defence around the fringes was watertight and some big hits saw Derby concede possession several times. Profiting from this, Matlock put the ball deep into the Derby 22 and on two further occasions, the visitors took clean line-out ball and proceeded to maul the struggling Derby forwards back over their own line, for excellent tries.
Mike Brookes and Jonny Bunting claimed the scores and with Young converting both and adding a second penalty goal the game was over at 27 - 8. The home team added a late second try, but it was mere consolation and Matlock were jubilant on the final whistle having completed the League double over their local rivals and took second place in the table in the process.
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Report from Matlock Website
