Hope Valley RUFC

Derbyshire Presidents Cup Quarter Final
Venue: Home
Result: Win
Final Score: Hope Valley 27 – Bakewell 14

Match Report
Report by Robert Mortimore

Saturday’s fixture was a crucial game in Hope Valley’s season not only because they were playing in the Derbyshire Cup and against local rivals Bakewell but also because Valley had reached this competitions final before a few years back so today was a chance to get one step closer to the final.

The home side had a full strength squad. Andy Woodall the Valley captain was back from injury and with many players on form looking to carry on from where they left off the week before, namely, Johnny Elliot, Tom Hodgson, Richard Spencer, Matt Shaw and Nick Hoyle.

Hope Valley began the first half with some brilliant passing down both wings. Within the first 5 minutes Valley had stolen the ball from a Bakewell ruck through a solid defensive line stopping them dead in their tracks. Nicolas Hoyle made an excellent tackle on Bakewell’s advancing scrum half.

Valley defended superbly and held back the away side proving the immense team spirit, Valley were holding their defensive line impressively and nobody could deny the home side were working hard for each other today.
An excellent passage of play from Valley in their scrum was helped by Matt Shaw off loading the ball quickly to Richard Spencer who linked up superbly with Matt Stoddard. Valley were looking on top of the game.

A knock on minutes later from Bakewell and Valley won another scrum, with excellent ball handling from Matt Shaw. Hope Valley’s forwards were proving a real handful for Bakewell’s front line. Hope Valley were driving well through the oppositions half with solid work from the pack.

Bakewell’s number 6 was then sin binned for a dangerous tackle. The away side are awarded a penalty but fail miserably and Adam Cornes clears the ball out of his own half with a superb kick, he was in fine kicking form and the crowd from both sides praised his effort.

Bakewell somehow manage to get another penalty and convert. A superb drive from Valley from the restart and they’re back on track unfazed by the oppositions pressure. Bakewell opt for a drop goal close to Valley’s posts and put it over. Valley make an excellent run into Bakewell’s half and Luke Charmson takes the ball well on the wing followed with a darting run from Matt Stoddard and off loaded to Richard Spencer for a superb Valley try, Richard Spencer converts to make it 6-7 to the Valley side.

Valley’s Paul Terry takes the ball well, then 12 makes a brilliant tackle on away side’s forward. Bakewell score another drop goal and go 9-7 into the lead but Valley are well in this game.

The start of the second half saw Valley start with some excellent passing and forward pressure. Bakewell’s players start to get rough with their tackles and loose their heads but Valley keep theirs and rise to the occasion with superb team work and excellent run down both wings. Andrew Woodall makes his usual trademark tackles when the opposition look like they have found a way through.

Valley then gain a penalty try after an uncalled for and ridiculous trip right in front of Bakewell’s posts, once agin coolly converted by Richard Spencer making it 12-9 to Valley. Straight from the restart and Valley are right back in Bakewell’s half, this is turning to be a truly memorable team performance form Valley. Mel goes over for an excellent try, showing strength running through the defence with excellent support from the pack. Converted coolly again by Richard Spencer.

Adam Cornes charges down the left wing and with excellent support from his team mates and goes over to open the gap and converted by Richard Spencer. Hope Valley are now well on top, but Bakewell still have plenty to prove and in the last 10 minutes they get another try.

This is a thrilling finale to a pulsating game of rugby with both sides showing real grit and determination; but Valley came out top dogs. The supporters were in full voice and urging their sides on. Valley are through to the next round with a truly awesome display of character, gelatine, and their team spirit is undeniable. They came into this game knowing a win was well within their grasp and proved that they are on top of their game and thoroughly deserve their place in the next round.

Man of the Match: Mel

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