Belper's party spoiled

13th November 2004 Belper 1st XV 6 - Long Eaton 1st XV 15

Belper's new clubhouse doors were opened for the first time on saturday for the visit of Long Eaton.

Unfortunately Long Eaton weren't in town to let Belper enjoy an opening day party on the pitch.

Belper went into the match on the back of a good win the previous weekend and it seemed at times that some of the players thought they would simply have to turn up to gain an easy victory, but they soon came down to earth with a bump.

Long Eaton's pack were strong and wise and if not for Belper's attacking defensive style the visitors could have run riot.

With Rooney making his long awaited return to the 1st team as a last minute stand in for Skivington, it was Rooney who showed the way with some outstanding tackling and bullish ripping of the ball from the opposition mauls.

Belper took the lead mid-way through the first half following a great run from full back Blackwell, returning the ball from his own half and then being tackled yards from the try line, with the visiting defence being found guilty of fringing and giving away a simple penalty for Dymond to slot over from in front of the posts.

This appeared to spur Long Eaton on with their forwards driving downfield and only Dymond's boot keeping them at bay.

The visitors scored from a rolling maul, driving 40 metres into Belper's half and then spinning the ball through the backs and out to the winger who scored in the corner.

Moments later Belper gave away a penalty in front of their posts to allow Longeaton an 8-3 lead at the interval.

In the second half Belper came out with all guns blazing, with Lyon and Holmes running through gaps in the visitor's defence and deep into their half, only to be tackled and stripped of the ball due to good rucking from Long Eaton's forwards.

20 minutes into the 2nd half Belper drove deep into the visiting half only to have the ball stolen illegally in a ruck to give Belper a penalty. Dymond slotted the ball over from 30 yards to bring Belper to within two points of Long Eaton.

Belper's forwards continued to ask questions of the Long Eaton defence but thry held firm and with seconds to go, following a rolling maul deep in Belper's 22 the ref gave a dubious penalty try which killed off Belper's efforts.

Belper lost 15-6 but the team can take heart from their spirit in defence, but need to realise that they need to prepare bettor for matches.