Belper dig in for hard earned win

Buxton 3rd XV 3 v Belper 3rd XV 12

Belper took a weakend side to Buxton facing a team with no less than 9 ex first teamers and 6 colt players. Buxton's experienced showed with their forwards working hard to drive deep into Belper's 22 in the opening minutes, winning a penalty in front of the posts for a dubious off-side decision which they slotted to give them the lead.

Belper showed grit with some excellent tackling at full back from Holmes and in the middle of the park from Cook and N Coombes.

Belper trailed at half time 3-0 but came out raring in the second half with Buxton local Bartrum wanting to show his worth to his neighbours. Belper scored with Norris diving over following good rucking and a quick pick up and go to score his debut try for the club.

Minutes later excellent running from Bartrum released Lewis to score his debut try in his new place as 3rd team winger.

With Wayne tackling all over the park Buxton's old heads were tired and Belper managed to hang on and record an excellent away result, with Norris winning man of the match for his excellent back row play