Matlock Under 15s 31 - 19 Tupton Under 15/16s

Blazing sunshine greeted Matlock's last game of the season - a home tie and a chance to end an excellent season with a game against Tupton Under 15s/16s - the team that have beaten Matlcok twice already this season and had 6 Under 16s in their team - a massive team!!

Early play was patchy as both sides made mistakes. A first minute attempt at a run by the Matlock backs was snuffed out quickly. However, from an early Tupton lineout, they exploited an overlap on the left wing running in an easy opportunity to open their account.

Matlock picked themselves up and a lovely move down the line after a great run through the middle by Sam Ball almost restored parity. From the resulting scrum, Matlock kept Tupton pinned back near their try line and got their rewards as Luke Crapper accepted a lay off from Sam and scored in the corner.

Adam Harris and George Bowen made their strength felt in the forward line. Unfortunately, Fraser Bowman to a crunching tackle that left him dazed and unable to continue, as Matlock showed their determination not to be overawed or intimidated by their opponents.

Tupton pushed again deep into Matlock territory, but poor handling by both sides was making it difficult for the game to establish any rhythm. Luke, Adam and Ben were picking the ball up well, being well supported by the forwards at the breakdown. It was a cruel blow when Sam had to depart the field with a twisted Knee.

This was a much better performance from the boys and it was against the run of play and possession when Tupton exploited a gap in the Matlock defence. Matlock 5 Tupton 12

The scrum was doing its job really well and it was from a well worked effort that Jack Cruise set in training a fantastic period of passing and running between the backs that culminated in Ned running the ball in. Matlock 12 - Tupton 12

Half time arrived with Matlock getting on top, winning the rucks and more than holding their own. The message from the coaches at half time was to cut out unnecessary penalties and match Tupton's aggression.

A great run from Harry at the start of the second half supported by Ned and Robbie almost led to Matlock taking the lead. Almost immediately the Tupton team replied in kind and, despite a try saving tackle from Harry, the visitors were able from the spillover to regain the lead Matlock 12 - Tupton 19

A good interception and run from Robbie led to a penalty for the hosts and from the resulting line out, Matlock put together an excellent passing and running combination involving Danny and Harry that ended with Ned adding a second try to his tally. Matlock 17 - Tupton 19

Danny set off down the wing and only a last gasp tackle prevented him putting Matlock into the lead. Neither side were giving an inch as the frenetic pace showed no signs of letting up.

Picking a man of the match was becoming nigh on impossible as well player after player put in the performance of their season.

The play passed from try line to try line in an instant as Matlock held off a Tupton attack, with Brandon brilliantly wresting possession, kicked out and came within a whisker of scoring as Harry and Danny chased down their opponents.

The scrum did its work fantastically again allowing Jack to put the hosts into the lead for the first time in the game. Matlock 24 - Tupton 19. From the kick off, Harry set off on a fantastic run and a great lay off to Danny led to him to finally being able to break through the Tupton lines. Matlock 31 - Tupton 19

This was an absolutely fantastic end to a great season, built on technique, teamwork and a cast-iron determination not to be beaten.