Belper 1st XV 27 Ashfield 1st XV 11
Belper won this first cup match of the season quite handsomely and with some of their
defensive tackling quite awesome it is a good omen for the season ahead.
Playing against the side that beat them last season and finished top in
the one promotion spot in their league, Belper expected a tough encounter, especially as
they were missing a number of key players through injury.
However, they set out their stall early in the game, trying to attack
from everywhere.
The pack won plenty of possession and the backs were able to attack from a good base in
the knowledge that the back row, superbly marshaled by new skipper Ed O'Dell, would always
be in support if needed.
Andy Lavin proved that he has lost no speed and tore through a gap created by Jon French
to open the scoring.
The next try came from Dave Morris, following a break by Val Morrell, converted by Laven,
who also popped over a penalty in reply to two from Ashfield.
In the second half Ashfield did manage to score an unconverted try, but only one, whilst
Belper continued to pile on the pressure, with Laven and Morris both adding second tries,
one converted by Laven
Belper 2nd XV 10 Ashbourne 2nd XV 48
With two players arriving late Belper started on the back foot and found the youthful Ashbourne backs just too quick and elusive. This was despite the Belper pack scrummaging Ashbourne almost out of the game, although they won a fair share of the line-out ball.
Rob Parker and John Tatham combined well in the back row, but were unable to stop the
home side recycling the ball for good second phase possession, which they ran to
devastating effect.
Twenty four points down at half time, Belper did not fall apart but forced their way back
into the game.
Rob McGrath proved a strong runner and he set up Andy Birchett for a try , which Birchett
converted.
A surge into the line by full-back Dave Taylor who had made some bone crunching tackles,
forced Ashbourne to concede a penalty which Birchett converted before Belper ran out of
steam and conceded more points.
An encouraging second half display against a strong side.
Belper 3rd XV 16 Ashbourne 3rd XV 29
Belper fielded four of the 1981 1st XV backs, Mick Finn, Nigel Gell, Jim Kenning and
Roger Morgan for this clash against a young Ashbourne side.
Ably led by veteran skipper Neil Wayne, Belper dominated much of the forward play, with
Kevin Pitman leading by example and winning good ball in the scrums and newcomer Steve
Tolan supporting Haydn John in the back row.
Man of the match Paul Thomas scored the opening try, following a break by the returning
veteran Ross Moore, who had a storming game in the back row, before Roger Morgan popped
over two penalties with his trusty right boot.
Finally, a break by Mick Finn was carried on by Gell who fed Kenning to jink his way over
the line.
A fine display which augurs well for the season.