Improvement continues with victory at Coalville

After a two week break due to inclement weather conditions Matlock resumed their league campaign with a visit to high-flying Coalville. The respective league positions reflected the differing fortunes of both sides to date and Matlock arrived in a steely mood, determined to turn over the early season result at Cromford Meadows when early defensive lapses clearly cost them a game they could have won. Matlock’s squad again included a number of changes. Paul Lane came in at No8 for the unavailable Mike Brookes and Dan Hooton made a welcome return after six weeks out injured.
Matlock began the game with good intensity and were soon rewarded with a Young penalty kick after Coalville were penalised for the tackler not moving away.
From the resulting kick off Matlock knocked on giving the initiative to Coalville who attacked strongly, stretching the Matlock defence before gaining the lead with a score in the corner. The conversion was missed.
Minutes later Matlock regained the lead with a superb counter attack. Coalville chipped through the Matlock line but the follow up was foiled by Hartley who brilliantly fielded the ball before feeding Buckley to go on a typical mazy run before passing to Dan Hooton in close support who then raced down the touchline and drew the last defender before passing to Hartley to finish off the move he had started. The conversion was missed but Matlock were ahead again 8-5. Matlock continued to put the Coalville side under pressure and several strong runs from Buckley and Mackrell nearly resulted in more scores. Coalville for their part continued to test the Matlock defence but strong defence kept them quiet for the remainder of the half, the only further score before half time being another Young penalty and Matlock were 11-5 ahead at half time.
The second half began with both sides looking to play attacking rugby and Matlock came close to scoring on a number of occasions with Buckley proving to be a real thorn in Coalville’s side and Mackrell also getting very close to the line a couple of times. The next score would be crucial and after a sharp half break by Chris Young saw him stopped just short of the line, Paul Lane was on hand to touch down at the foot of the post. Young added the extras and Matlock had an 18-5 lead. With 10 minutes remaining Neville (on for Hooton) was yellow-carded after Matlock gave away a series of penalties for slowing down the loose ball. The last ten minutes, with Matlock a man down, saw Coalville score two well worked tries one of which was converted and led a to a tense finish for the Matlock side who held on for a well earned victory.
Next week Matlock will look to continue their run of improved performances, which has brought them 17 points in their last six games, with a home game against close rivals Paviors. Kick off is 2.15pm weather permitting.

Report by Tony Hooton