Poor discipline becoming a habit!!

By Jon Doughty

Poor discipline becoming a habit!!

Derby City after two consecutive wins were looking to add the scalp of one of their local rivals Leicester Storm however ill-discipline was to be their downfall all through the match.

Historically slow starters Derby were subjected to two conceded converted tries from the visitors. Twelve nil down after twelve minutes didn’t bode well for the rest of the match however Derby were to go on to concede no further points in the first half as the rest of next twenty eight minutes belonged to them. Even though scoring all the points they were made to work hard for it by Leicester.

Firstly a try by Lewis Thompson having taken the ball 40 yards out to jink and score, converted by Reza Kashefi. Six minutes later Centre Tom Pottinger scored his first of the day using his strength to punch through the opposition defence. Only four minutes later he scored his second taking a clever ball of his fellow Centre Jack Pearce. Derby were now leading by two points and the momentum was definitely in their favour. Leicester were becoming increasingly frustrated by the official however Derby continued to exploit where possible.

Just before half time Thompson took the ball and drove down the right side, momentarily before contact released the ball to Winger Adam Walker who crossed the line and touched down right of the posts, converted by Kashefi. Half Time Derby City 20 Leicester Storm 12.

Jeckle & Hyde performance again as the home side became entangled in crossing the official through poor discipline and simple knock on’s. Leicester started the half with two quick fire tries and within eight minutes were level. Next fourteen minutes were even with Jack Pearce crossing the line, converted by Kashefi. 26 to 20 with only eighteen minutes remaining, Derby were now in a good position.

However discipline continued to play a big part to the game and a converted try with ten minutes to go brought the scores level. This was a game that Derby City should have won particularly as they were in a good half time position however with literally one minute to go Storm were awarded a penalty in a kickable position which they dually did.

Final score Derby City 26 Leicester Storm 28. Man of the match went to Tom Pottinger for a continuation of his excellent personal performances.

A winnable game which would have put Derby City Premier team in an excellent position just before the half way mark to the season.