Chesterfield RUFC 27 V 32 Matlcok RUFC

In a match kicking off in cold, driving rain, Matlock faced opponents who had snatched a win at the death in the previous season's fixture? Could the boys go one step better this year and see out a win?

From the off, the defence were in action, halting a Chesterfield move and winning a line out. Quick passing along the line saw the bell reach Harry , who executed a great run and lay off to Danny McCrea to open the scoring 0-5

Chesterfield came back but hit a wall of Matlock defence. The attitude was typified by a great crunching tackle from Will Needham. The hard work paid off with a fabulous run and lay off from Harry as he fell to the floor, to allow Danny an easy run through for his second try 0-10

Chesterfield upped the tempo and aggression and began to gain territory in the last third. The Matlock boys responded with grit and determination, refusing to be intimidated.

The Matlock scrum was doing its job well, the whole team were up for the game. Brandon, Tom and Adam were bossing the front of the scrum and William and Ned on the flanks were making crunching tackles to deny the Chesterfield 9 and 10 any room. Following some excellent forward work, the ball was being won regularly for Matlock backs to use easily.

The team was also keeping its shape and discipline, particularly its width, denying their opponents opportunities on the wing and forcing them to come inside. Will King and Harry Stevenson were sticking to task out wide stopping Chesterfield from wide penetration.

It was from a rare break that Chesterfield snatched a penalty try after an unfortunate trip. 7-10. 2 minutes later Matlock extended their lead to 7-15 after Ollie snatched the ball from a melee in the Chesterfield line.

Chesterfield pressed again and poor decision making allowed the hosts to get a try from a scrum on front of the posts 12-15

The second half opened with an injury to Calum, who had to leave the field dazed after a clash of heads. Harry took out a Chesterfield forward with a flying tackle on the wing to halt a dangerous move.

As both sides tired, the game was becoming scrappy, with tired limbs leading to handling errors. Chesterfield forced a try in the corner 17-15

Matlock upped their work rate again and began chasing down. Ollie and Will were tigrish in their tackling and pressure. Lovely interplay from Sam, Harry and Danny allowed the latter to burst through for his third try 17-20

Fantastic defence stopped a determined Chesterfield surge near the Matlock try line. A series of well-worked line outs brought steady territory and when the ball fell to Sam, he set off on a brilliant jinking run to extend the Matlock lead 17-25

The forwards were matching their opponents tussle for tussle, despite a distinct height and weight advantage for Chesterfield. But they were unable to prevent Chesterfield pulling a try back.

As the match entered its final minutes, it was joy for Matlock as Harry picked up a loose ball to score his first try for the club, duly converted by Sam to put the match beyond Chesterfield's reach 22-32

And despite a final unconverted try for the hosts, Matlock held out for a thoroughly deserved win 27-32. This was a win built on teamwork, effort, determination, discipline and attitude. There were several candidates for Man of Match but for his resilience, determination and fantastic first try for the club, Harry Wyld was the Chosen One.