Nottingham Casuals 5 Matlock 8

3 October 2016

Midlands 2 East North

Nottingham Casuals 5 Matlock 8
Match sponsored by Rothera Sharp Solicitors

Casuals showed what they are capable of, in taking recently relegated Matlock to the wire, and almost pulling off the win in the dying moments

The weather was not conducive to fast flowing open rugby, with thunder and lighting prior to the game, and torrential rain for much of the first half, but this did not daunt the players, and they tried their upmost to keep the game alive.

Playing in front of a gathered crowd of guests, including club sponsor Charlie Walker of CP Walkers and Son, enjoying the pre-match luncheon, Casuals served up one of their better displays of recent weeks.

Matlock pressured Casuals for 10 minutes, but the hosts defence held firm.
Matlock were awarded a penalty in front of the posts to take a 3 point led, which they held for nearly 30 minutes.

Casuals opted to kick for the corner from a penalty, and with good possession the ball was taken up the middle, and Brodie Howatson had a simple run to the corner.
Unfortunately the conversion was missed, and Casuals only gained a 2 point advantage.

Matlock came back late in the first half, and managed a pushover try to lead 5 – 8 at the interval.

The second half saw play fluctuate, and Casuals were unlucky not to benefit from their spirited play.

When Casuals had a player yellow carded, it looked as if they might be under pressure, but their scrum, which had improved immensely as the game went on held firm.

Casuals came back in the latter stages, but were unable to turn their territorial advantage into a score.

A missed penalty would have tied the scores, and then a last second attempted drop goal was off the mark, rewarding Casuals with only a losing bonus point, when they could easily have had the win.
Next week Casuals travel to Melbourne, and if they show the determination they showed during this game, they could achieve a positive outcome.

The RJH Conversion Specialists Man of the Match was full back Dan O’Connor

Footnote
Sorry for the problems after the game with the showers and the mini flood, but unfortunately we cannot control the weather or the water table. The drains were unable to cope with the vast volume of water coming down from on high, and they backed up causing a total lack of drainage in the showers and toilets. A later loss of power to the shower pumps could not be rectified, but it will all be investigated.
None of it was to do with the recent refurbishments