New Year starts with a well earned victory

Back in September Matlock had travelled to Lincolnshire and finished up on the wrong end of an embarrassing 70-10 horror show. The fact that key players were missing and injuries suffered in the match were undoubtedly major factors but the main reason for that hefty defeat was that they didn’t turn up and perform as a team with their usual committed and dogged attitude. And so for this return fixture against a confident Rasen side that had recently inflicted a rare defeat on table toppers Peterborough Lions, Matlock were looking to restore some pride and start the new year with a much needed victory. The match day squad was boosted by the return of Scott Robinson in the pack and Ben Neville and Chris Young in the backs. The recent spell of inclement weather meant ground conditions would be a little heavy and ball handling difficult.
From the kick off Matlock took immediate control of the game with Rasen struggling to get out of their own half. Only minutes in a powerful tackle by Dave Ball resulted in the Rasen flyhalf having to leave the field with a shoulder injury. Matlock continued to dominate possession and territory and opened the scoring on ten minutes. Young kicked for position and from the resulting line out a powerful maul saw the Matlock forwards drive Rasen back over the line with Scott Robinson touching down. Young was successful with the conversion. Matlock maintained their supremacy with strong pick and drives by the pack who were marshalled well by James Young back in the number 9 shirt. On twenty minutes Matlock deservedly extended their lead when Chris Young deftly chipped over the Rasen defence for Dan Hooton to chip ahead and gather the ball to touch down. Young’s conversion attempt was just wide of the uprights.
The last ten minutes of the half Matlock were under attack from a Rasen side who ran hard and strong but the well organised and committed home side defence was determined to protect their lead and keep them out. Rasen’s only scoring opportunity came from a penalty kick almost in front of the posts but the ball bounced back off the upright and Matlock cleared the danger.
Half time score 12-0
The second half was a battle of attrition in the heavy conditions yet both sides still attempted to play open rugby. Both sides created opportunities but up until the 60 minute mark it was the home side who still created the better chances and looked most likely to score. In fact the only addition to the score line at this point was a Young penalty, crucially taking the home side two converted scores clear. Even after this Matlock could have made the result safe. Howard was nearly put away down the wing but the ball squirted from his grasp and then Neville made a telling break but lost his footing attempting to side step the last defender. As the game wore on into the final twelve minutes Rasen finally managed to breach the resolute Matlock defence which still scrambled well to thwart the attack. At the ruck Hooton appeared to go through the gate to foil the attack but the referee decided it was an offside offence and sent the unlucky Matlock thirteen to the sin bin. From the resulting penalty Rasen recycled the ball well before forcing their way over for a try out wide. The conversion was missed. Down to fourteen men Matlock were soon back on the defence but they held out brilliantly and with two minutes remaining were back to full strength The momentum however was with Rasen and on the final whistle they managed to force their way over the line again from close range. The conversion attempt was again wide and the referee blew the final whistle with Matlock claiming a very hard fought but well deserved 15-10 victory and some pride had finally been restored.
This was a very committed performance by the whole squad with every player stepping up to the line. However the job isn’t over yet as we still sit uncomfortably in the relegation zone. Next week the squad will have to put in an even bigger performance as they entertain league leaders Peterborough Lions at Cromford Meadows kick off 2.15pm.
Match Squad:
Ball, Richardson, Goodall, Twyford, Wright, Wagg, Robinson, Crofts, J Young, Hartley, Packard, Neville, Hooton, Howard, C Young Subs: Stephenson, Atkinson, Fairclough