1st Team 20 – 20 Loughborough
Prior to the match, there was a minutes silence in memory of club stalwart Terry Boswell who sadly passed away on New Years Eve.
Matlock were forced to make numerous last minute changes due to injury but still managed to start the game brightly and took the first score. Despite being the better team, the home side struggled to find continuity, allowing Loughborough into the game. Matlock did showcase some superb skills which led to four fantastic tries in total, but missed some great opportunities, so ultimately the Blue Boys left the field feeling somewhat frustrated by their overall performance. Plenty to work on this week.

3rd Team 82 – 10 Rolls Royce
The first 3rd team game of the new year saw Rolls Royce seconds travel to cromford with 13 men, so Matlock kindly lent them a couple. The biggest difference between the teams was the backs, with James Marsden lending a hand at 9. The Jones brothers put in a good shift as always, with Bren’s 4 tries helping to earn him man of the match. Special mention to Milky in the forwards for his dogged determination, turning over the visitors a couple of times near the Matlock try line. All in all a very enjoyable game with great efforts from both teams that the score line doesn’t fully reflect. Bruce would like to express his thanks to all the lads for making the captains job maintaining discipline very easy this week!

Colts 35 – 28 Coalville
The Colts earned their first win of the season in a competitive home game played in good spirits by both sides. Matlock took an early lead with a well-earned try involving both forwards and backs, and another swiftly followed. Coalville struck back with a try and the score then seesawed until the final whistle, with Matlock showing a great team effort to win.

U16 39 – 29 Ilkeston
The U16s travelled to Ilkeston for the NLD Quarter Final and came up against a very tough team. Matlock showed discipline, and the whole team played as a unit and gave 100%. A great result for the boys who are now through to the Semi Finals!

U15 7 – 44 Mellish
A battling effort from Matlock who were overflowing with confidence and commitment, but lacking in a consistent game sense to allow bigger and faster Mellish backs to take the ball around to score. The result did not reflect the effort put in by the boys.

U14 lost to Ashby
Matlock travelled to Ashby but unfortunately were a bit slow to start after the long Christmas break. They were beaten by a really well drilled team. A great effort from the lads who tackled hard right up to the last whistle.

U13 60 – 20 Sheffield Tigers
The U13s had one of their trademark slow starts and allowed Tigers to get the first score, but once they woke up, it was a very impressive performance! The scrum was too powerful for Sheffield, winning so many against the head and driving Tigers off their feet. The backs moved the ball with fantastic pace with some sublime kicking from No.10 Harry Siddall. The new centre partnership of Alec Formela and Charlie Price was superb, with Charlie getting on the scoreline in only his second ever match! A fantastic team performance.

U12 lost to Derby
It was a tough first game back after Christmas for the U12s who were well beaten by a big and well drilled Derby team. There were periods of good play from Matlock, but more focus and improvements in tackling is required.

U11 v Derby
The U11s faced a Derby team that was very short of numbers. The decision was made to play two mixed teams of 9-a-side to ensure everyone stayed warm and both teams played some decent rugby.

U10 beat Derby
The U10s also played Derby at home. They split into two teams playing four matches. The blue boys won 2, drew 1, and lost 1.

U9 beat Derby
It was the first game of the New Year for both sides. Matlock had two teams with both showing some brilliant defensive and attacking plays. Team play was again improved and this resulted in more tries scored for both Matlock teams.

U7 v Derby
Matlock divided into three teams with lots of good passing, running, and excellent defence. Proof of commitment is that nobody was cold after an hour of rugby! Player of the week was Isaac Hutton.