University of Derby 1XV, Saturday 9^th February, Away, Won 0-84

Royces travelled to the University of Derby to play them for the third time this season in the league, looking to secure only their second away win of the season and keep in the hunt for promotion. As ever the team contained a few changes in the back line from the week before.

Keen and committed as ever the Uni were out warming up as Royces arrived. Royces received the kick off playing into the sun and it wasn’t long before skipper McLaughlin burrowed his way over for the first try of the afternoon. Conversion was missed and this was a theme of the game as McLaughlin had left his kicking boots at home slotting 6/13 attempts. In his defence a swallow did fly over as he was attempting the conversions significantly disturbing the air. More on that later…..

In truth following the opening exchanges it became apparent that this was a game Royces were going to win and it was a matter of not falling foul of the same habits that surfaced against Melbourne the week before and to put in a good team performance.

Royces did deliver an improved team performance on the week before, stringing together some good phases with the scrum and lineout functioning well. Tries came from Dan Sanderson (4), Lawrence Betty (3), Greg Fowler, Alex Gill, Dave Poole (+ 1 conversion), Malcolm Lee, Jon Peacock and Ian Baker. Bakers try being the one of note as he rolled back the years and scorched in from the 10 metre line. Sadly the moment was not captured on camera as the film ran out! Man of the match was Malcolm Lee, who had an excellent all round game.

Commenting on his kicking after the game McLaughlin said: “I can only kick under pressure”. Clearly planning his retirement Coach Greenway has duly obliged and enforced a £20 fine for every kick missed from now on.

Now entering the business end of the season Royces have put themselves in a good position to push for promotion and now face Nottinghamians at Victory Road in the league next week. Royces must build on the improved team performance shown this week if they are to continue to rise up the league.

Team: Jon Peacock (8), Greg Fowler (8), Lawrence Betty (7), Mark Lowe (7), Ed Barker (7), Paul McLaughlin (7), Dave Poole (7), Iwan Ranft (9), Adam King (8), Luke Daigneault (9), Malcolm Lee (9), Andrew Taylor (8), Alex Gill (7), Dan Sanderson (8), Ian Baker (8). Subs: Mike Brown (9), Ian Hildebrand (8)