CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE
MIDLANDS PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 1 August 2009
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARRIORS 12 - 24 DERBY CITY
On a wet day more suited to autumn than summer, the Gloucestershire Warriors fell to defeat against the league leaders who secured their place in the play-offs in the process. This was a disappointing loss for the Warriors as, with a team stronger than for many weeks, they would have been confident of beating City who travelled with just 13 players.
The Warriors dominated the first half, scoring twice and defending solidly but errors crept into their play during the second half as they were forced to chase the game and City grew in confidence to score three times and take the points.
The Warriors had started well and opened the scoring after seven minutes. Ken Stone made the initial break and after Stephan Fourie and Alex McEwan exchanged passes, Stone crashed over to score. Matt Elston converted.
A soft and greasy pitch became more tricky as rain began to fall and the game became an absorbing battle of attrition with the Warriors dominating possession without scoring points until Tom James dummied over for the Warriors' second try again converted by Elston.
Defensively, they were secure until the very last play of the first half when Jonathan Edwards crashed over from a scrum move on the short side.
The Warriors lost Andy Brown and Tom Bozzard through injury in the first half, which disrupted them and, as the second period wore on, clean breaks became more and more difficult as City became tougher to break down. The visitors levelled the score after 48 minutes, Mark Rollinson powering over after ill-discipline had given them good field position.
Seven minutes later, it was the same story as James Turner forced his way over to give City the lead. With 12 minutes to go, City extended their advantage as a long kick downfield eluded Neys Schreiner and Darren Hersey pounced for the try. Paul Worthington kicked his fourth goal and the Warriors needed two scores to draw level.
Despite pressing hard and enjoying a spell camped on the City line, the Warriors could not break through and City celebrated a play-off place for the first time.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARRIORS: Andy Brown, James Coleman, Regi-Lee Alexander, Ben Broady, Alex McEwan, Tom James, Stephan Fourie, Ken Stone (Capt.), Pat Hanslow, Steve Lee, Simon Taylor, Ed Stallard, Matt Elston. Replacements: Tom Bozzard, Neys Schreiner, Luke Smith, Ryan Alexander, Dan Garbutt.
Scorers: Tries; Ken Stone (7), Tom James (25). Conversions; Matt Elston 2 from 2.
DERBY CITY: Chris Buckley, Ian Dennant, Darren Hersey, Tristan Gill, Lewis Thompson, Paul Worthington (Capt), Miles Harrison, James Feeley, Mike Turner, Scott Hudson, Mark Rollinson, Jonathan Edwards, James Turner.
Scorers: Tries; Jonathan Edwards (39), Mark Rollinson (49), James Turner (56), Darren Hersey (68). Conversions; Paul Worthington 4 from 4.
Referee: Ian Waters (South West RLRS)
Man of the Match: Warriors: Ben Broady, City: Paul Worthington
Penalties: Warriors 8, City 5.
Scoring sequence: 6-0, 12-0, 12-6, (HT), 12-12, 12-18, 12-24, (FT).
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Chris Wilson
Media Manager, Gloucestershire Warriors RLFC
Tel: +44 (0)1684 850903
Mobile: + 44 (0)7905 931033
Email: gloswarriors2004@aol.com
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The Gloucestershire Rugby League is an organisation for local rugby league clubs in Gloucestershire. Our main activity currently is to promote rugby league through the County and give useful information about our sport to the public of Gloucestershire.
