Monday 14th April 2014

Leesbrook 1st XV 17 - 50 Chesterfield Panthers 1st XV
Midlands 4 East (North) League
Saturday 12th April 2014

The last match of the season and Panthers were determined to go out in style, and they did!

Travelling south to Leesbrook, Panthers came away victorious cementing an outstanding first season at their new ground.

The victory now leaves Chesterfield Panthers free to concentrate on the RFU Cup semi-final on Wednesday 16th April at home.

It was a bright start for Chesterfield, with only stout defence from a resolute Leesbrook back line stopping Nick Fenton (left), running in but, with pressure being exerted on the Leesbrook line, they finally cracked. Luke Holt taking advantage with a superb carry, crashing over from 10 yards. 

Panthers now tried to settle into the game but with the players not used to playing on such a small pitch, they needed to adapt. 

A penalty kick to touch resulted in a superb line out take by Alex Allen and a well-structured drive ended in Paul Jones going over to improve his impressive try tally for the season. 

With Panthers now looking on top, they took their eye off the ball letting Leesbrook's huge centre crash through two defenders to score under the posts. 

A scrappy 20 minutes ensued, with neither team able to get any decent possession but with the Panthers pack dominating the set piece, they managed to get a few runs in and great support lines by Jack Short saw him run in for a try. 

With the first half coming to an end, not wanting to be left out, Glenn Grayson (left), went in at the corner after good work from his inside backs. 

At half time, Panthers brought on fresh legs with Lee Whitmore, Steven Avenier and Tye Rose coming off the bench. 

The second half started much the same as the first with Luke Holt crashing over for his second try.

Sloppy tackling by Leesbrook and good feet by Glenn Grayson, saw him run 40 metres for his second of the game and 6th in two games. 

At this point, a spate of penalties were given against the Panthers, often without explanation, leading to another try from Leesbrook. 

Chesterfield did their best not to let the one-sided penalty count get to them and another strong Panthers scrum led to Steven 'spider crab' Avenier scoot in for a well taken five pointer. 

The final try of the game came from the strong running Rob Collins.

Match day captain and man of the match Chris Windle (above), said: "This was by no means our best performance, but it's a sign of a decent team that may not be on top form but can still score 50 points.

"But we won't get complacent. We'll go away and work hard and improve because next season we won't get away with a below par performance."

Head Coach Derek Sherlock (left), said: "It was always going to be a difficult game the week after winning the Championship and we will need to be more switched on for our RFU semi-final game against Buxton this Wednesday at home.

"We are hoping for a big home crowd to come support us on Wednesday. Kick off is at 7.30pm.

" We can win and meet Amber Valley in the final."

FT: Leesbrook 17 - 50 Chesterfield Panthers

Tries: Glenn Grayson (2), Luke Holt (2) Paul Jones (1), Rob Collins (1),
Jack Short (1), Steven Avenier (1)

Conversions: Chris Ward (5)

Man of the Match: Chris Windle

Chesterfield Panthers:
Paul Jones, Rob Davison, Terry Titley, Alex Allen, Pat Holleworth,
Jack Short, Chris Windle, Luke Holt, Jordan Grayson, Rob Collins,
Nick Fenton , John Ryan, Glenn Grayson, Benjamin Button, Chris Ward
Subs: Steven Avenier, Tye Rose, Lee Whitmore

NEXT GAME

RFU Cup semi-final -
Dunston Road Ground (H), Wednesday 16th April, 7.30pm

Monday 5th of May, 1.00pm - RFU Cup final

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