Derby back with a bang as they score 10 tries
DERBY scored 10 tries as they got their Midlands One East campaign off to a flying start with a 61-0 away win against Towcestrians.
There were a number of new faces in the side led out by Charlie Barker, in the absence of injured 1st XV captain Andy Brown.
Inside centre Nat Wigley scored two tries on his debut, while Patrick Burke, who replaced Brown at fullback, also touched down twice.
And head coach Mark Bradley was particularly pleased with the performance in the opening 20 minutes as the visitors built a 27-0 half-time lead.
“It was a very good start to the season bearing in mind we had not played a league match for almost 18 months, it was also two weeks since our last pre-season game,” said Bradley.
“After all we have done in training, you wanted to see those things we have worked on happen on the park.
And for the first 20 minutes you saw that. That first 20 minutes was probably one of the better starts Derby has had for a few years.
“We got a bit tired as the game went on but still scored 61 points.
“We had a few changes in the team and everybody stood up to the mark. Everybody came in and performed, did what we asked of them and they got the rewards for it.
“Nat Wigley on his debut played very well. He scored a try, tackled very well and put the ball on the gain line.
“It was part of a good overall team performance.”
Derby didn’t have to wait long to open the scoring. After three minutes, a line-out was claimed and Derby drove over the Towcestrians line, with Charlie Barker claiming the try.
And nine minutes later, Wigley picked off a loose pass and scored a debut try.
Lewis Hancock converted both times, giving Derby a 14-0 lead.
Towcestrians had a prop sent to the sin bin and then suffered an injury blow which meant the game went to uncontested scrums until the sin bin period was over.
Derby continued to dominate and as the half drew to a close scored two more tries.
Jake Barker crossed and then, soon after, Jake Roome touched down for the bonus point try before the break. The final act of the half saw Hancock kick a penalty for a 27-0 advantage.
Two minutes into the second half, Wigley broke through a number of tackles to power over for his second try.
Jake Barker then touched down for his second try of the day, before Judah Simpson ran 70 metres to score.
With 15 minutes remaining, Burke scored in the corner and the next Derby try was scored by the forwards, driving Towcestrians back over their own line, allowing Charlie Barker to touch down for a second time.
The final try came in the dying moments, with Burke crossing for the second time and Hancock converting to complete the scoring.
Derby are at home to Bedford Athletic next on Saturday.