Nottinghamians 7 - Belper 27

Belper travelled to Nottighamians knowing a win would put them back to the top of the division. It was an emotional charged day with Belper bidding farewell to their Captain Gaz Dakin who would leave for all things German after the game. As usual when Belper are in town the opposition always seem to be at full strength with an unrecognisable back line from the ones that faced Belper only a few weekends previous. Both teams seemed determined to play running Rugby which led to an entertaining but slightly disjointed game. Belper’s pressure in defence proved to be the game breaker with Soj twice intercepting passes to go over the line and converting 1 of his trys.

The second half started with Notts coming racing out the blocks. Following a good line out they manages to crash over in the centres to reduce the half time lead Belper had created. Belper soon settled down and started to play the Rugby they know they can. From a line out the backs showed their class with a fantastic move leading to Gray going over in the corner. Belper now had the bonus point in sight. The point looked for certain when Merv Holmes found himself in acres of space and putting the Captain through for what looked liked a certain try. However as treacle set in he fell short and the move broke down. The bonus point did come when a scrum 10m out led to Tony England picking up and just managing to reach the line to get the extra point. Victory was assured when Gray again crossed the line in the corner for a comfortable win.

3 games left for Belper to see if they can put pressure on Boots and come out champions. Farewell to a great Captain and awesome player, all the best Gaz and family.