NPI Cup Belper 1stXV 6pts Buxton 1stXV 9pts
Belper just lost out to Buxton from the next league up the ladder by three penalties to
two.
Overall, Belper provided a stiff test for their higher-placed visitors, but did not
utilise the speed of their backs effectively, lost their discipline at vital moments and
did not kick well enough.
The visitors won most of the possession but it was Belper who came close to scoring a try.
Buxton's larger pack dominated the line-out and pushed the home pack backwards in a number
of of the scrums.
However, Belper were very quick around the field and thus often won second phase ball,
although they did not always get it back into play quick enough, allowing the slower
Buxton team to organise their defence.
Buxton Scored two penalties at the beginning of the second half. Belper missed two of
their own and had Simon Teager held up after he had crossed the try line.
At the start of the second half Belper stormed upfield, led by Merv Holmes, Andy Laven and
Dave Morris for once had a chance to use their speed, but unfortunately the move
floundered when the ball was dropped five metres short of the line.
Ill discipline then gave away a penalty and back-chat another ten metres, to let Buxton
regroup.
However, Belper were not to be denied, with Skipper Ed O'Dell and Mitch Town punching
holes in Buxton's defence they gave away another penalty which Jon French converted.
As hard as they tried Buxton were unable to get near the Belper line, but again back-chat
took a penalty within kicking range to regain their six point lead.
Fifteen minutes from time French converted another Belper penalty but despite a grandstand
finish they were unable to score again.
2nd XV League Belper 2ndXV 0pts Sutton Bonnington 44pts
Belper 2nds found themselves up against an extremely strong team. Sutton only have one
side and yet play in the 2nd XV league!
Despite playing well Belper were unable to score any points for the first time this
season.
The Belper back row of Tony Izzet, Martin Robinson and Rob Lea worked tirelessly
throughout, Rick Bartrum had his best game yet in the second row, while Mike Wild and Pete
Smith also played really well in support of skipper Geoff Hornby.
Despite being 24 points down at half-time Belper only conceded another 20 in the second
half.
Friendly Belper 3rdXV 19pts Amber Valley 3rdXV 27pts
Belper played a keenly contested game but lost by four tries to three.
Belper unluckily lost effervescent scrum-half Mick Finn with an injury in the first half
and went behind by two tries before Shaun Miller flew over for a try which Nigel Gell
converted.
A powerful run by Chris Smith saw him crash over for a second try and Noel Woodward was
released for the third.
A valiant effort in a sterling game.