Belper back in business

After their tremendous 107 - 3 win last week against Castle Donington, there was a recaptured feeling as to what could actually be achieved this season. A trip to Chesterfield was in store this week, which Belper knew would be a different test that they would need to adapt to effectively. With a few key positions needing alternative cover, there were changes to be made.

Belper seemed quiet yet focused before the game as Coach Dig Barden laid out the game plan and finalised the team preparations. The gods of Chesterfield knew there was a storm brewing and so they gave us the weather to match.

Facing what were at times seemingly gale force gusts Belper received the ball from the kick off and set about executing their plan. Chesterfield started brightly and the first 10 minutes was spent in the Belper half. Defensively Belper stepped up to the mark with some tenacious defensive work and hunger.

Following a little indiscretion at the breakdown Chesterfield were first to break the deadlock with a tidily slotted penalty (wind assisted of course), 3-0 to the Panthers.

From the restart Belper maintained composure and were rewarded through a little hard work from the forwards, Naylor released an inside ball to Blount and an interchange of tight support running and clever offloads from Captain Blount and the ubiquitous Merve that put through the Inns monster for a crashing try under the posts. Blount converted, 3-7.

What ensued then was a battle of minds and bodies with Belper clearly having upper hand. Panthers seemed to be struggling with the onslaught and were forced to make two first half substitutions through injury, however it was against this run of play that Panthers broke the Belper defence to bring the score to 8-7. Both the forwards and backs worked exceptionally hard at the breakdown and refused to give in.

The Inns monster not satisfied with one try decided that he was going to ensure that we went into the break with the lead ad following another direct passage of play he satisfied himself and cemented his position as the Clubs 1st choice prop. 8-12 to Belper half time.

With the wind still strong, the second half expectations remained positive and while there were some gaps in Belper's play they consistently battled harder, played better and had more drive than the panthers.

Following a strong passage of play, which saw some big hits from both the panthers and Belper it was Belper who broke the deadlock. England who had been commanding the scrum well all afternoon, made a swift pickup off the back and broke towards the line, England spotted the gap created by good support running from the backs to canter in for his 3rd try of the season. Captain Blount converted.

A panthers lineout was the source of the next try, Dr Pete fresh off the night shift was certainly not sleeping when he pounced upon a Panthers mistake in the line and stormed into the corner for try number 4.

The best move of the match came in the dying minutes when England once again broke off the back of the scrum and headed towards the Panthers line, closed down he knew he had to pass and, well I suppose you best ask him what happened, needless to say my first touch of the ball did not result in a try.

All in all a solid and good result away from home, with impressive performances put in by all. Final score 8-24, well done Belper. Next week Cleethorpes at home 3pm kick off.