Men's 3rd XI Vs Belper 7

3rdXI Match Report Belper 7’s v South Nottingham

HRH Simon Recaldin reports

And so it came to pass after the disappointment of England  losing the rugby World Cup final that the mighty 3s were playing Belper away. Despite flooding the week before Belper were comfortable that the fixture would go ahead and so it did but not exactly at Belper. But that’s another story.

The umpires were professionally relaxed starting the game some 10 minutes late to ensure both sides were suitably warmed up - very accommodating.

And so to the game which throughout was competitive with both sides being well matched through a blend of experience (old gits!) and youth (all the others). South had the balance of youth which they used to their advantage as Belper tired throughout the game.

Despite South having the majority of possession with Andy bossing the midfield Belper broke away early in the first half with an excellent move down their right, slipped across the D and swept the ball high into the net - goalkeeper no chance given its perfect placement. Even Belper said they hadn’t seem such a great goal for seasons.

South went back to dictating the game with a great partnership developing at the back between Henry and Arthur on the left and right respectively making some great wing backesque runs and Tony and Graham covering the middle - looking good boys.

Then came a spell with Belper moving forward and forcing a few penalty corners the last of which that got a lucky deflection 2-0 Belper .

South then got serious and through a midfield growing in confidence Sam, Rhys and Finn started dictating the pace holding the ball well and making great runs/passes into the opposition D. This allowed Ken to use his pace up front and space for South’s summer super signing Paul to get away from his marker and make a nuisance of himself.

Indeed following a great through ball from Rhys (I think - Ed - it’s a long way from the other end!), touch by Finn (I think!) Paul buried South’s first goal as it crept over the goal line.

The skip said at half time that a 2-1 half time score would have been unfair given the possession South had and he was right because it was actually 2-2 with Paul bagging his second following another excellent move from Finn and Sam. Great stuff boys.

Ed - how many characters does text allow?!

Despite good confidence from South and some great moves the second half felt more evenly matched and end to end as both teams searched for a winner. The game got congested down the middle of the pitch with little width being used by either side.

The decisive moment came with 5 minutes to go with the Belper left half latching hold of a ball in the D ghosting past a defender and forcing the ball past the keeper at short range. 3-2 Belper .

The final minutes saw a bit of a flurry but at the wrong end including an inspired diving save by South’s keeper at the feet of Belper’s gladiatorial Centre Forward to keep South in the game.

Final score 3-2 Belper but an amazing display by South - the best the 3s have played this season. Well done all for a game played in the right spirit by both sides.

The umpires were thanked for their professionalism by South’s chair having to cough for the first (and I note only) round in the pub which helped wash down some fine sausage and chips.

All in all a grand day out - shame on the result but there is so much talent and potential things are looking exciting for the future.

Just think of it as work in progress - just like England Rugby teams next 4 years! Ouch!