Belper move up to fourth with a solid performance against Nottinghamians

Belper travelled to Holme Pierpoint knowing that Hamians were not a side to take lightly. The same fixture last year left Belper nursing their wounds after an unexpected loss and skipper Gaz Dakin was desperate for this not to happen again.

On arrival Belper were welcomed by Hamian's Mascots, the world famous Hamian Geese, who had of course prepared the pitch in their own ubiquitous style by blanketing it in warm goose poo. While there was a chill in the air we of Belper are made of sterner stuff and could have done without this welcome.

The game started brightly with Yorke receiving the ball from the kick, Belper quickly took the game forward utilising some strong and efficient support play in the forwards. Hamian's worked hard to stem the Belper flow and to some extent did so at times, however the onslaught from Belper remained relentless.

Merve who today was masquerading as an inside centre, continuously along with Blount and O'Gorman broke the Hamian's line making good hard yards. The Belper forwards worked tirelessly as they pounded the Hamian's pack. Scrummaging was excellent against a pack of experience and strength, but the front row of Dakin, Haywood and Yorke most certainly had the edge.

The danger that Hamian's posed to Belper was in their backs and with a wide and short pitch, it was only good closing down and solid tackling that prevented their back line breaking through.

The first score of the day came from the boot of Blount and followed a passage of play where the forwards pressed the Hamian's line for what seemed an eternity, only to be thwarted by good defending when Yates and Adams peeled of the back of a ruck and were tackled short of the line, Hamian's panicked and killed the ball by going off their feet.

Again Belper pressurised Hamian's into their 22 leading to another penalty for Blount to fire home to take the score to 6-0. All the pressure was applied by Belper and to their credit Hamian's kept battling and using the boot where they could to relieve the pressure. England, Dyer and Matthews worked tirelessly on the back row and their support play was of a notch near the top.

However, it was Hamian's who took advantage of a lapse in Belper's defence for their centre to evade two tackles and run in a try from halfway, which went unconverted. Belper then lost Nicholson and Yates to injury with Watson and Tennick coming on respectively.

Belper remained firm and great play from Smith and Rice disabled any over the top balls that Hamian's were able to throw at them. The hit of the match came from super sub Tennick who suffering from a twisted back put a tackle in that shook his opponent to the core and ensured that he will need to spend a lot more money at the osteopath this week.

Another passage of play ensued where Hamian's were on the back foot and as they tired attempts were made to slow the ball down. Penalty awarded, Blount took the game to 5-9. A late flurry by Hamian's briefly threatened Belper's line, however a penalty attempt was all they received in return, which was duly missed.

A good performance from a side plagued with injury however all stepped up to the mark and put their bodies on the line for their mates. Next week Rolls Royce in the league at Strutts Field. 2.15 KO all are welcome to come and lend their support.