Keyworth RUFC 21 Belper RUFC 54

Belper travelled to Keyworth hoping to build on previous week’s development and try and take full points from a team sitting close to the bottom. Words of caution were quite rightly put out by coach Wardle as Keyworth are a tough team and should not be taken lightly. Belper started well but were put under pressure at rucks and in the scrum. First to strike was Mordue in the corner following good hands in the backs. Belper kept on the pressure and scored again through Frank Watson and a powerful run by Mitch Wilmot. Belper then wobbled for a few minutes as Watson was sent to the sin bin and Keyworth showed there battling quality by scoring twice in this period. Belper fought back and could have scored close to the end of the half had they not knocked on the loose ball with the try line begging. Smith was proving a thorn in the home side by putting pressure on the Keyworth attack and joining in at the rucks. Half time 14-19.

Belper then took hold of the second half and scored 5 try’s before Keyworth scored a last minute consolation. Keyworth were still tough at the breakdown but Belper managed to get the ball away and allow the backs to play. Watson managed to get the forwards out of his way and controlled the second half. The combination of Watson, Smith and Peverell gets better every week with all three scoring. Their lively running and quick hands were too good for the home side. Dakin also scored from a trade mark powerful run going over close to the posts. The only one in the back line not to score was Dave Bacon, probably down to the fact that every time he touched the ball he was surrounded by 4 defenders creating the space for others to score. Yet again Belper managed to have a very strong bench. Into the game came Chalkin, Woodward and for his first team debut James Budzynski. All three contributing to the second half performance and playing very well. Belpers final score was a demonstration in off-loading and support running. Belper broke with Watson who off-loaded to Innocent and, after drawing a couple of defenders, popped the ball to England who beat his man to go under the posts. Belper then took their eye off the game to allow their winger in to fininsh the game. This was a good result for Belper in difficult conditions. Next week Belper welcome Long Eaton to the Strutts playing field for what should be a very good game indeed.