1st Team 19 – 52 Long Eaton
Matlock travelled to Long Eaton hoping to have an improvement on the previous weeks narrow loss. Matlock started well but couldn’t capitalise on territory and 3 scores went to the opposition due to handling errors and a defensive lapse. Matlock got 2 tries back through Tom Wright after great forward work in the tight. George Whittaker had to leave the game with a broken wrist and thumb, replaced by Joe Thompson just before half-time which ended 21-12.
A great start to the second half by Joe, winning a turnover in the ruck, but the missed kick to touch led to a quick lineout and Matlock were caught napping as Long Eaton scored. Unfortunately the injuries list continued to grow as Simon Wright suffered a broken ankle.
Three more tries followed from Long Eaton’s quick and alert backs. Matlock hit back with some good phases and Tom Wright got his hat trick.
Overall this was a poor performance and it is back to the drawing board for the Blue Boys.

2nd Team 37 – 5 Long Eaton
Matlock started the game very well, scoring 4 tries in the first half. The strong forwards pack was the highlight of the game and were too much for Long Eaton to handle. Great result!

Colts 34 – 12 Derby
The Colts played Derby at home and the away side came out of the changing rooms ready for a game and scored in the first 10 minutes! This gave Matlock the wake-up they needed to get into gear and finish with a convincing win and great result!

U16 10 – 30 Ilkeston
The U16s played a home game at Chesterfield against Ilkeston. Matlock lost to a much better well-drilled side.

U15 19 – 31 Ilkeston
Matlock played Ilkeston in an NLD cup game. It was a tightly contested game played in good spirits by both sides.

U14 29 – 17 Chesterfield Panthers
Matlock started strong and spent the first 10 minutes camped in the Panthers 22, however it was Chesterfield who scored first after their superb defensive work forced a mistake. Matlock continued to put on the pressure and scored the next three tries of the game. A few moments lapse in concentration allowed Chesterfield to score a quick try, but the Blue Boys regrouped and stood firm, hitting the tackles hard and getting regular turnovers leading to two more well-worked tries. Man of the match went to James Bentley after a superb performance.

U12 lost to Notts Corsairs
The U12s were roundly beaten by a well-drilled side. Matlock got better as the game progressed but Corsairs were worthy winners. Lots to work on!

U11 v Notts Corsairs
The U11s played 4 games against a very strong Corsairs side – a robust outfit dishing out some brutal tackles! The Matlock squad matched Corsairs hit for hit, and try for try, with a final tally of two games each.

U10 v Notts Corsairs
The U10s put out 2 teams against a single Corsairs team. The first game was pretty close with some great play by both teams. The second game was a bit more one-sided with Matlock having a bit of an advantage due to fresh legs on the pitch.

U9 v Notts Corsairs
The U9s played 4 teams against a competitive Corsairs squad. The Matlock players really stepped up and had the advantage in each game. They showed a great desire to win and played some effective rugby.

U8 v Notts Corsairs
Excellent work shown by both teams keeping a good line of defense and causing turnovers. Matlock also ran well in attack and player of the week was Myla.

U7 v Notts Corsairs
The U7s played 2 sides against Corsairs. It was a great first match of the new year with some development and support work within the team, and quick turnaround after a tag. Player of the week was Olivia, a new player to Matlock who has showed ongoing improvement and determination.

Matlock Girls had a training week, focussing on building confidence into the tackle and welcoming in a couple of new players to the U13s who fitted in perfectly. All ready for the fixture at Kesteven next week!

Matlock Ladies 12 – 15 Long Eaton
Matlock produced one of their best performances of the season, tackling hard and making it difficult for Long Eaton to make any gains. The forwards competed well at the breakdown and Matlock scored first following a great interception from Lucy Griffiths. Long Eaton got a try back to make the scores even at half time. Helen Cross scored her first try as the Ladies continued their pressure. Unfortunately Long Eaton finished strong to win the game, but lots of positives to take forwards into 2019!