NLD 7's Matlock make plate semi.

NLD 7’s

It was going to be a long hard day for the squad. 5 group games followed by any knock out success. Matlock had practiced for a couple of weeks and still the coaches were not sure of the best team which in hindsight is a good thing because it means there’s not a lot between the players making them all competitive. Some have strength others speed and some lucky ones some of each. These qualities are good but so are heart and courage and that often forgotten skill a thinking brain to weigh up options.

Looking at the group Matlock could see ( or hope) that their last game some 3 hours after their first would be the group clincher against Derby ( all county and NLD players). However to make that reality there was some work to do in beating teams from Mansfield, Fenland Baba’s, Scunthorpe and Stamford. Each in turn were dispatched to the all so rans with some excellent rugby played by the whole squad with Burns proving to be the best try scorer in the group with 2 or 3 in each game. The loss of Burns through injury didn’t deter a side whose adrenalin was pumping ready for the fray with the self announced stars from Derby, the reigning champions and Cup finalists again. My finger tips were tingling and there was almost a spring in my step as the lads entered the arena. A crowd had gathered to watch a much anticipated match between the two top scorers in the group. It was also Matlock Versus Derby , say no more. With a little reorganisation Hatton moved into a centre position from prop showing his flexibility. Matlock had to stop the ball getting to the Derby wings Derby had to get the ball. It was a classic duel.

Stephenson took the kick off and immediately made ground setting up a ruck neatly won by Matlock and the ball moved wide to Wallis who attacked the outside but was held and Derby awarded a scrum in their 22.Matlocks power scrum including Wright and Buswell won the ball and again Matlock bashed at the door through Half backs Ellis and Hartley. Strong defence held them at bay. Derby managed to get the next possession and looked to move the ball wide but Matlock lead by Hatton in the backs were ready and up on their men putting pressure on and causing uncertainty and a handling error. From the scrum Matlock moved the ball wide to Wallis who went for the gap but was again just caught but this time Stephenson arrived in support and took the ball on the move and like a tsunami swept aside anything in black and gold to score in the corner. His kick was unsuccessful but Matlock had something to cling on to .

Their grip though as is the norm soon slipped as the restart didn’t go 10 and from the free kick Derby attacked with purpose. Matlock held the first wave but were in a little disarray as eventually the ball was moved left where the speedy Derby player rounded the defence but was nearly undone by Hartley as he tried to get round under the posts.

Half time arrived with a conversion the only difference on the score board.
Matlock kicked off the second half and put more pressure on Derby who couldn’t get away and Matlock were able to drive them off the ball when captured with good body positions and power and excellent tackling. It was getting tense and the game mainly remained in the middle or the Derby half.
During a Matlock attack Wallis was to join Burns in the Mash 4077 mobile hospital with a bash on the head. Our two quickest players would watch the rest of the tournament. Walker replaced Wallis an in typical style defended strongly and ran hard. The next score was however to come from Derby who from a scrum went blind and won the race to the line. A gap well spotted and chance excellently taken. Could Matlock come back. Oh yes they can . From the kick off Matlock surrounded the catcher and drove Derby back to their 22 from where they tried to get the ball to their wing but strong pressure caused a couple of errors and Walker pounced like an albino panther on the loose ball and raced between the posts. However the ref brought the game back for a scrum. Soon after the final whistle went drawing to close an excellent game of 7’s played by two good teams.

This was another step forward for a Matlock squad that keeps getting closer to the best the NLD has to offer. There is still some way to go but the gap is narrowing.

This loss put Matlock into the semi final of the plate where we met the other Cup finalists Nottingham. We were now without our two wing men and also carrying a few other injuries. The hours wait for the game also seemed to take some of Matlock’s edge as a very competent and drilled Nottingham won by 3 tries to 1. Matlock didn’t give up but had gone as far as they could losing only to the two NLD cup finalists.

This was an excellent effort especially for those playing in their first 7’s competition.
I think we learned a lot about the opposition and more importantly ourselves.
Well done and thanks.