Great performance brings victory over Derby

With only four league games left Matlock travelled to Derby in the knowledge that only a victory would do. In their bid to fight their way out of the relegation zone the last five games had all been tight affairs resulting in two wins and three losses and all within five point margins. With Derby comfortable in the runners up spot and Matlock third from bottom and fighting for survival the money would have been on a home win. But this is Matlock against , a rivalry which always raises the stakes not to mention the blood pressure and anything can happen.
Due to injury and unavailability Matlock’s pack has seen many changes throughout the season but players have stepped up and shown that there is depth in the squad. The back line has also been affected by enforced changes but again the squad strength has enabled us to compete well at this level.
From the kick off a pumped up Matlock were quick to show they up for the task, taking the game to Derby. Good early carries by Richardson, Neville and Coombes tested the home defence and halfbacks Young and Hartley showing good control Matlock forced themselves into good positions. Derby transgressed and Fairclough struck a fine penalty to give Matlock the lead. Matlock were straight back on the attack with forwards and backs linking well and Derby were feeling the pressure. Good work by the forwards gave the backs the platform to move the ball wide. Packard was in the line from the opposite wing and took advantage of the half-open door in the Derby back line to scythe through the line and jink past two defenders to score under the posts. Fairclough added the extras. Derby started to make their own advances into the Matlock half but the pressure of a tight defence forced errors and turn over ball allowed Matlock to relieve the pressure. Matlock won the ball on half way and Wright burst through a Derby tackle and was brought down on the Derby twenty two line. The Derby fly-half committed a cynical offence to stop the Matlock attack for which he was given ten minutes in the sin bin. Fairclough slotted the resulting penalty and Matlock had a 16-0 lead. Matlock were unlucky not to extend their lead soon after when they were camped on the Derby line. A score looked certain to come but the pressure was relieved when they were penalised for a double movement near the line. As half time approached the Matlock defensive line became stretched and Derby crossed out wide for their first score. The half time whistle saw Matlock deservedly 16-5 ahead.
In the second half Derby had the wind at their back and their pride was at stake. They started strong but Matlock’s defence made them work very hard to find openings. Matlock won turn over ball again inside their own half and moved the ball swiftly to Packard who chipped over his opposite number won the race to re-gather the ball and sprinted away for his second try. The conversion attempt was wide of the posts. Then in a bizarre moment with Matlock’s skipper receiving treatment and the physio still on the field Derby were allowed to take a quick kick off. The Matlock side were under the impression that the clock was stopped and whilst their defensive line-up was in disarray Derby took advantage to score under the posts bringing the score to 12-21. Spurred on by this score Derby were soon back on the attack and upped the intensity and following good pressure were rewarded with another try in the corner. The conversion attempt was wide but the gap in the scores was now only four points at 17-21. This was soon followed by a Derby penalty taking the scores to within one point. Matlock were next on the score board with a penalty of their own when the referee penalised the Derby scrumhalf for telling him his job. Matlock were still playing some excellent rugby and again took the ball up to the Derby line. Forwards and backs combined well to pummel the Derby defensive line and Richardson capped his man of the match performance by forcing his way over for a crucial score. Twelve minutes remaining and the score was 20-29 to Matlock. Derby were now chasing the game against the clock and with Matlock upping their defensive efforts still further Derby began to throw hurried and risky passes. With barely four minutes remaining a Derby pass went to ground and Neville was first to the loose ball flicking a neat pass to Packard who raced the length of the pitch to complete his hat trick and put the result beyond doubt.
The final whistle blew with a jubilant Matlock deserved winners with the score-line at 20-34.
This was a great result and was testimony to the collective effort and spirit within the squad.
Team: Fairclough, Packard, Hooton D, Neville, Howard, Hartley, Young J, Wright T, Wagg, Coombes, Wright S, Twyford, Richardson, Boam, Statham. Subs: Goodall, Atkinson, Morton T
The work in the league continues against Huntingdon & District at Cromford next Saturday 3.00pm kick off. Before that we are due to entertain Glossop in the Derbyshire Cup on Wednesday night, kick off 7.30pm.