North Derbyshire, Saturday 22nd September, Home, Won, 32-19
For the second week in succession Royces opening to the league campaign pitted them against a team who had previously been playing at Midlands 4 East.
Royces opened the game in an organised and disciplined manner, early pressure told and an offence at a close in ruck saw a Panthers player receive a yellow card and Royces convert a penalty through skipper Paul McLaughlin. A majestic run and try by debutant Lawrence Betty extended Royces lead, converted by McLaughlin. Panthers had the opportunity to open their account with a penalty in front of the posts but the effort was dragged wide. McLaughlin gave a demonstration on how to claim 3 points with a 40m penalty kick. Panthers did get on the score sheet when they were awarded a penalty try which was converted. Royces added a second Sanderson try to take a lead in to half time.
Royces turned to face the stiffening breeze with the opportunity to take the win in their own hands. Panthers tried to use the wind by kicking the ball deep but good counter running and a strong line, helped by wayward Panthers throwing, nullified this means of attack. Sanderson popped up on the wing to score a well worked Royces try, converted by McLaughlin. Then Royces dropped the concentration and application levels, lost Andy Taylor with a yellow card and allowed some strong running through the backs to allow Panthers to add two quick tries to their account. Royces still held a 6 point lead and didn’t panic, they got more control of the ball, with the return to 15 men Royces played the remaining time in the Panthers half. Pressure told and Panthers conceded a penalty, McLaughlin’s effort drifted across the posts on the breeze, Panthers failed to clear the ball, Dan Sanderson popping up to claim his hat trick of tries for the game, McLaughlin converting with the last kick of the game.
Many players put their name in the hat for man of the match, Mat McCourt selling 3 consecutive dummy’s running out of defence (2 bought by his own players & the 3rd by the touch line onlookers), Andy Taylor running strong with ball in hand (yellow card !!), Loz Betty strong running & defence, Dan Sanderson try’s & line out ball, Ian Baker a presence and leader and more names could be added, Luke Daigneault getting the nod never missed a first up tackle and never conceded and inch in this area, led by example.
Team Dad