A win against a really tough, well drilled team....

Matlock 34 Thorne 24
Matlock welcomed Thorne for their first home game of the season and the first ever contest between the two clubs at this age group.

From the kick off and first line out, Matlock took an immediate lead as Danny McCrea picked the ball up from a good run and lay off from Harry. 5-0

Thorne responded with determination. Tough tackling from both sides and a strong forward line from the visitors gained possession for a Thorne and brought an equalising try. 5-5

Harry picked up sharply from the Matlock kick off. The first scrum went to Thorne and Jack tackled hard to win Matlock possession. Great tackling from Olly and Calum ensured Thorne couldn't establish a rhythm. The game was being played in fits and starts from both sides.

The two forward lines were engaged in a series of attritions. Jack was floored after going in bravely once again with a full blooded tackle to prevent a breakthrough run but ended his involvement in the game. It was a typical example of the boys refusing to be intimidated or overrun by their opponents. Very sportingly, the visitors applauded him as he got to his feet. From the ensuing play, a Thorne player broke through to bring them the lead 12-5

Sam Ball and the forward line went in determinedly to wrest possession for the hosts and as the Calum got the ball out, the team moved it quickly across to Danny for a second Matlock try. 12-10

Sam again did brilliantly to chase down the ball and was only prevented from scoring by an illegal tackle. From the ensuing play, Brandon burst through to score a justified third for Matlock . 17-10

George and Harry battled to prevent Thorne reestablishing a foothold. An awesome run from Harry through the middle was stopped at the death by one of 3 Thorne players chasing him down, and a player replied in kind to bring a Thorne try 17-17

At half time the message to the boys was to up the urgency throughout the entirety of the half, rather than in fits and starts.

A surging run from Danny at the start of the second half brought good territory. George kicked the ball through to keep up the pressure.

The boys were passing the ball quickly and accurately and their rewards came when Olly was able to pick the ball and score with a fine run 22-17. A couple of minutes later Danny added to the total 27-17 picking up an injury in the process that ended his involvement.

Lovely technique in the scrum brought an opportunity for Harry to run. Determined defence was protecting the Matlock lead. Try saving tackles from both sides kept the game in the balance.

A good kick from Sam brought a line out near the Thorne try line. The ball was passed quickly out and a guest player sportingly scored a determined try for Matlock 34-17

Thorne upped their game and pulled a try back after determined pushing 34-24

Great tackling on the wing by Sam prevented another breakthrough Thorne try. New boy Will repeated the effort on the wing with a double tackle to prevent another Thorne effort.

This had been a great win, hard fought and hard won.