Belper claim the double at the Derbyshire Finals Day.

Belper 1st XV 40 – Buxton 1st XV 21

Inspired by the 2s win the 1st team showed why they are league and NLD cup champions with a first half performance that tore apart Buxton. Changes from last weeks NLD starting side saw Andy York start at 4, Mitch Wilmott at 8, Jarrad Mordue to the wing and Rory Peverell to full back. Belper had the slope in the first half and made the most if it with 40 unanswered points. First up was Merv Holmes who scored after James Naylor brilliantly stole the ball from the back of the scrum. More pressure from Belper saw Steve Roberts score after supporting Watsons break to extend the lead. It was now on way traffic with Dave Bacon also powering over. When Buxton did attack the defence held firm with Matthews, Holmes and Wilmott all making big hits and the counter ruck being very affective. Rory Peverell at full back was picking up any loose ball and breaking well controlling it from the back. Next to score was Smith who also kicked 5 conversions in a 15 point haul. Frank Watson then scored an excellent team try with good hands from everyone leading to him beating his man before going over. Merv Holmes completed the first half rout to make it 40-0.

The first half performance took its toll on Belper with Injurys to fly half Watson and full back Peverell. Smith was also struggling and so players had to move out of position to compensate. This did unsettle Belper and Buxton scored 2 unanswered tries early in the half. Belper knew that Buxton were more than capable of scoring tries with everything they did coming through their centre. He was their outstanding player and Belper struggled to contain him in the second half. With England, Powell and Chalkin coming off the bench Belper settled down and a period of pressure put an end to any comeback. James Naylor seemed to be playing everywhere and when it looked as though the Buxton 6 was just about to score Naylor came from nowhere to sniff out the danger. Buxton managed a consolation try but the result was never in danger as Belper managed to secure their most successful season in some years.