Monsoon mud and much needed win over Bugbrooke

On a day which saw Cromford Meadows beset by monsoon like weather conditions this wasn’t likely to be a day for the open flowing rugby usually expected from these two sides. Boosted by the good performance at Bedford the previous week Matlock viewed this as a target game, despite their opponents sitting in a reasonably comfortable mid table position. The squad for the game was boosted by the return of the Wright twins but was missing two regulars in vice-captain Nick Coombes and winger Luke Howard. These changes saw Harry Morton and Chris Buckley come into the back line. Having dealt with many setbacks this season lady luck again meant they had to make a late change due to flyhalf Fairclough’s car breaking down. Neville switched to flyhalf and Hughes started in the centre with the plan that Fairclough could come on off the bench if he managed to turn up.
The game kicked off and it was clear that in these conditions it was going to be an eighty minute battle of attrition, and a game of small margins. However despite the conditions both teams deserve much credit for this game still entertained with both sides still trying to move the ball, albeit sometimes when it may have been the wrong option. The score came as a result of moving the ball wide to Boyd who ran well down the wing before being stopped. The ball was quickly recycled and with forwards choosing to pick and drive the try came when Jackson crashed over the line. Morton converting superbly from out wide. Unfortunately as has happened too often this season a lapse in defensive concentration then allowed Bugbrooke straight back into the game as their winger left with plenty to do jinked his way over for a fine individual try which was converted to level the scores. Matlock were soon back on the offensive with Neville and Hughes carrying well and punching holes. The forwards were also carrying well and were very unlucky when Goodall had the greasy ball dislodged from his grasp as he looked certain to score. Morton then saw his penalty attempt come back off the upright and the referee brought the half to an end with Matlock feeling unlucky not to have some sort of lead on the scoreboard.
The second half was equally closely contested with Matlock’s adopted game plan in the greasy conditions keeping Bugbrooke on the back foot. However in these conditions it was difficult for either side to keep control over possession for long periods. Matlock mounted a period of pressure which saw them camped on Bugbrooke’s line and showing patience through a series of pick and drives they fashioned a score with Neville crashing over under the posts. Morton converted. Matlock’s Achilles heel struck again immediately as Bugbrooke broke a tackle and created another converted score to level the scores again. This was followed by another defensive aberration allowing the Bugbrooke wing to score his second try. The conversion attempt was wide but the visitors now had a narrow lead. Matlock again worked their way back up field and another period of pressure pinned Bugbrooke deep in their own twenty two. Their attempted clearance kick failed to make touch and was gathered by Twyford. He fed Hooton who raced across field and threw a long pass to Boyd who was stopped metres short of the line, Matlock recycled and after a couple of pick and goes Statham forced his way over in the corner. Morton’s conversion attempt was short. With scores levelled again Matlock’s style of play was beginning to pay dividends as they began to punch holes through a now tiring Bugbrooke defence and again saw them picking and driving at the Bugbrooke line before Twyford burrowed over in the corner. Again the conversion attempt was wide but Matlock now crucially held a 24-19 lead. The lead was increased again with 10 minutes remaining. With Fairclough just on the field and adding a little more zip to the link play Matlock quickly worked their way to the within feet of the Bugbrooke line. With the visitors defence battling against a pick and drive onslaught Hooton seized the opportunity to pick up and dive over for the try. Morton again converted superbly from out wide. With the score at 31-19 Bugbrooke refused to give up and came back with another converted try to leave Matlock having to play out a tense five minutes to the final whistle for a very well earned victory and a much needed five league points.
This was another improved performance and the players were quick to acknowledge the benefits of Dave Hartley’s coaching. The team now face three away games on the trot starting next Saturday against old foes Derby who are currently sitting second in the league. Always a big game we need rent a crowd for this one. Kick off at the Haslam’s will be 2.15pm.