Belper 1^st XV Vs All Spartans 1^st XV

Belper’s first league game of the season saw them travel to All Spartans in what could only be described as a sizzler of a day. There were one or two changes from the side that had beaten Aylestonians comprehensively the week before, through injury and general gayness (John Lewis).

After a tough warm up in the heat with Mr Schlong Belper were ready to go. Belper started very bright with the whole pack taking the ball on and securing solid ball for the backs to feed off, unfortunately the final pass always seemed to go astray meaning Belper couldn’t capitalise on this.

The home team seemed to gain confidence and tried to use the crash ball in the centres, unfortunately for Spartans they had not realised Belper’s defence was as solid as a brick wall with Blake and Tennick knocking them back. However a fumble from one of the backs led to the Spartans centre picking up the ball and sprinting to the corner. Blake seemed to stop the touchdown and seemed somewhat bemused when the referee awarded the try.

This seemed to work in Belper’s favour with Inns, Laven and Woodward making big runs into the Spartans defence. Secure ruck ball from Adams, England, Timberlake and Coombes allowed Burden to spread the ball along the line finally reaching Gray who unluckily ran out of room. Belper were starting to look threatening.

Half time was fast approaching with Belper getting nearer and nearer to the beckoning try line. It was from good support play from Harland and Blackwell, who had earlier come on as a sub because captain Tennick’s eye had decided to explode, that caused the defence to panic and give a penalty away. New captain veteran Micky Love Laven called Blount over to convert the penalty and bring Belper to within two points.

The half time whistle blew shortly after and Belper were pleased with the performance, now it was time to step up a gear with the slope, sun, and breeze all in thier favour. A change in the pack saw Harland come off being replaced by the jinxing 2^nd Captain Peter Smith, Justin moved to flanker.

The whistle blew and the second half was underway and Belper really took the game to Spartans with Ogaram and Willan finding space to open there legs and make brakes. Again Spartans had to stop play illegally and Blount converted another penalty.

Now with their noses in front Belper really took the game to Spartans with nobody missing a tackle and every player making yards when on the ball. Spartans could not withstand this pressure for even and eventually the speedster Rossiter Gray found a gap and scored under the posts leaving an easy kick for Blount.

With Spartans needing two scores to take the lead they had to play risky rugby, which led to Willan going over for a try only for the ref to call it back for a forward pass. Belper never left Spartans 22 after that and after immense pressure Ogaram ran to intercept a pass, he was then one on one with the Spartans full back and a masterful sidestep left him standing there looking stupid.

18 – 5 to Belper and after a few minutes of pressure the final whistle called time on what was a scrappy but enjoyable game of rugby.

Belper Travel to Chesterfield next week in the another league clash. They will be hoping to build on this solid performance.