WINNING TRY DISALLOWED!

Matlock 13

Mellish 17

On a perfect day for rugby Matlock entertained Mellish at the Cromford ground. Starting well Matlock’s large pack soon had Mellish pinned in their half, and from some good driving mauls Matlock recycled the ball realised the backs and a good surging run from Sam Pyne saw him go over for the first try.

Matlock then slowed their game down and allowed Mellish to run at them only a good tackle by man of the match Sam Pyne prevented a try. Matlock still allowed the opposition to much room and sloppy handling by Matlock allowed the visitors a turn over ball, which was converted into a try. Still the home side did not get into the game as once again to many penalties’ and turn over ball meant Matlock were constantly defending. Soon the Mellish lads took the lead and converted the try to make it 12/5. Only now did Matlock wake up and start to attack and on the stroke of half time Matlock were once again on the attack.

The second half started like the first with Matlock coming out all guns blazing and some excellent work by the forwards allowed the backs enough room for Richard Lund to run in a try beneath the posts. A poor kick kept Matlock 2 points behind and allowed the visitors to keep the upper hand. Good defence and hard fought ball kept the game open for both sides, but Matlock’s pack attacking a penalty was won 25 meter out and Rich Lund converted to give the home side the lead.

Once again Matlock relaxed and gave away silly ball that allowed the visitors to score. Missing the conversion kept the game open and in the last few minutes the home side showed the form that they should have been showing all the way through and mounted attack after attack on the Mellish goal line. A scrum was won 5 meter out and James Harrod forced his way over the line only for the ref to disallow the try and blow the whistle for the end of the game. Matlock let slip another game they should have and could have won comfortably and must learn from this.

26/09/04

MATLOCK STEAMROLLERED BY LARGE PACK

Mansfield 40

Matlock 0

In the first competitive game of the season Matlock travelled to Mansfield. Missing 5 players, mainly backs, the team were forced to reshuffle. This meant that some forwards were playing out of position, and as such it was always going to be a hard game. The large Mansfield pack soon showed their intentions and ran the ball at the Matlock lads, some valiant tackling ensued but neat work by the Mansfield backs exposed the weakness in the Matlock line and they went over for the first try.

This was to be the tone of the match, but Matlock fought valiantly and never lost heart. Mention must be made to Daryl Jones who in his first game for Matlock showed that he is going to be a great find for the team. Also playing well was James Slack who covered the ground and put in some big tackles. A good effort and some encouraging play but Matlock’s inability to pick up the loose ball cost them the match

2016