In the sweltering heat of an Indian summer Matlock welcomed their Lincolnshire opponents to their Cromford Meadows home hoping to bounce back from the previous weeks disappointing defeat. With James Noble and NICK COOMBES both missing from the pack there was a recall for George Whittaker and a welcome return to the team for the powerhouse that is james cooper for his first start of the season. The bench for this game consisted of Pete Gailey, Dave Hartley and debutant Andy Bell.
From the kick off Matlock looked the stronger side and after only eight minutes the early pressure was rewarded with the first score when good handling and support in the backs put BEN NEVILLE over for try. Chris Young added the extras. For the next 20 minutes further opportunities were spurned as a lack of patience saw the ball being moved wide too early from first phase which resulted in the home side failing to capitalise on some quality possession being supplied by the pack. During this period Spalding made a number of visits to Matlock’s half and came back to within a point with 6 points from two penalty kicks much against the run of play. At last Matlock began to found their true rhythm and played with real intensity. Strong runs from Cooper and Taylor from close in and Neville hitting some good lines up the middle began to break down the Spalding defence and on 32 minutes Taylor crashed over from close range for Matlock's second try. Young again added the extras. Matlock continued to apply the pressure and Neville crossed over for his second try after a typical strong break down the middle. Young converted. Spalding added a third penalty on the stroke of half time and Matlock were looking comfortable at 21-9.
Coach Alan Johnson’s usual calm but firm and encouraging half time chat saw Matlock come out firing on all cylinders and within 5 minutes of the restart Young had added a further six points and Spalding were penalised twice in as many minutes. Only three minutes later Matlock crossed for their bonus point try as james cooper forced his way over after good work from the pack. Young again converted. Matlock were now in complete command, the pack were well on top in the scrums and the contact area was much better than the previous week. With quality possession the backs began to cut through the opposition defence at regular intervals and the line was crossed on four more occasions. Taylor went over for his second, Whittaker scored the best team try of the day, Neville completed his hat-trick and Hartley finished it off with a quick snipe from the base of the scrum from 5 metres out. Young converted all these and finished off a faultless display with a drop goal taking his personal tally for the day to 25 points.
After the previous weeks lack lustre performance Coach Alan Johnson was full of praise for the way the squad had bounced back from the disappointment to play the kind of rugby they are really capable of.
There were many stand-out performances on the day but the man of the match award went to George Whittaker whose contribution throughout the game just shaded it over Neville’s hat-trick and Young’s faultless kicking display.
Next week will be a real challenge as Matlock travel to Peterborough who were relegated from National 3 Midlands last season. Kick off 3pm.