Chesterfield Panthers Rugby Club: President’s Corner

Weekend club rugby activity always starts with our touch rugby Friday night session, which is open to all, and starts at the club at 7.00 until about 8.30 or when the bar calls,

This week Chesterfield Panthers also paid tribute to our fallen men and women in what was, once again, a very moving moment as the minis and junior sections lined up for in a very respectful two minutes silence. All the teams the teams that played this weekend across the region did the same.

Chesterfield Panthers COLTS vs Ashfield RUFC COLTS

Competitive rugby started at Chesterfield Panthers this weekend on Saturday as the COLTS (U18s and U17s) travelled to Ashfield RUFC for a match that over the years has always been one of the season’s highlights with a near equal share of wins and losses, a mutual respect mixed with a little local rivalry.

Chesterfield were a great team for 50 minutes, not 50 minutes all together but across the 70 minutes they played!

They defended well for 50 minutes, up the pitch and on the line.... and then they didn't, they didn't apply pressure, push them and make them play for the other 20 minutes.

We kept the ball moving, we kept it simple we rolled over them through solid and planned attack, phase after phase and Chesterfield scored and they did that for 50 minutes.... and then they didn't... they reverted back to one man plays, balls stolen as we tried to snatch another yard rather than trusting their team. For 20 minutes their 1-3-3-1 structure looked like 1 1 1 1 1 and on.

50 minutes of thinking and calm deployment and 20 minutes with their heads wound up tight allowing for some ill-discipline to let slip a a draw in the last minutes as Ashfield kicked a penalty for a three point, 25 – 22 win.

Every player today had some outstanding moments, Charlie Spray got the coaches’ man of the match but on those 50 minutes any one of the guys could have taken it.

Chesterfield Panthers RUFC 1st XV vs Nottingham Moderns 2nd XV

What started off brilliantly for Panthers, had turned into a real battle by half time and Panthers knew they were in a game of attrition and with the score of 29 – 13 to Moderns.

The second half started badly with more of the same. Notts Moderns took charge and scored two more tries from the off and it looked like being another bruising day for the Panthers.

With the Sun starting to set and the temperature dropping, Chesterfield Panthers turned the tide! With our forwards knuckling down and making ground, the backs could do what they do best... score tries!

As the clock ticked forward, Panthers ground awa and started to pull back the deficit. A game of grit, determination, passion and teamwork saw Panthers start to draw level.

An overwhelmed team manager, Jono Bradbury was overheard to say: “The boys need to hold their heads up high! What an absolute amazing game of rugby! The camaraderie and belief that they could make something out of nothing, shows why we play to the whistle! Wow! Just wow! I am extremely proud of every one of those lads today! The fight, the Passion and the Pride!”

A narrow win for the Panthers at 42 – 41 was too narrow for comfort and the team will no doubt be quicker out of the blocks next game as they face Worksop at home on Saturday.

Chesterfield Panthers Girls Section Report

Another busy weekend for our girls representing the Derbyshire Dragons Cluster, with all four age groups in action.

The U12s travelled to Rolls-Royce and were competitive throughout, working hard in both defence and attack. Teamwork, determination and effort were on show in abundance. Although they finished on the wrong side of the scoreline, the girls produced some of their best rugby of the season. A fantastic effort and great progress – well done, girls!

The U14s enjoyed a well-attended training session at Matlock as they continued their preparations for next Sunday’s County Cup fixtures. Great to see such good numbers and commitment as the girls get ready for the challenges ahead.

The U16s faced Notts Casuals at Matlock in an RFU National Cup pool game. Having already met twice this season, with a win apiece, the two sides are clearly well matched. A competitive 39-point draw was perhaps an appropriate outcome, reflecting the quality and determination of both teams. Well played to everyone involved.

The scheduled u18 Midlands Cup fixture against Dudley was unfortunately postponed. However, Sandal stepped in at short notice and travelled to Chesterfield to provide opposition, despite having reduced numbers.

A big well done to our girls who stepped up and played for the opposition to help ensure the game could go ahead. The overall result went our way this time, but we hope to arrange a return fixture where both sides can test themselves at full strength.

A great weekend for girls’ rugby across the cluster. The enthusiasm, commitment and progress across all age groups is fantastic to see!

Chesterfield Panthers U13s vs Paviors U13s

The u13s hosted Paviors in a return of the NLD fixture a few weeks ago.

Both sides showed excellent play through out, really settling into the bigger pitch and more players this season brings.

It was a closer game than last time out and a fantastic game to watch. Panthers showed great strength in the tackles and rucks with some lovely play through the backs as well.

We have worked heavily on structure since the last match and their hard work in training from the lads paid off as they carried it to the game to score some wonderful team tries. Paviors showed they are learning and growing too.

Looking stronger than the last game and fought on to the end even with limited subs to cover the tired legs. They showed real heart and that’s whatt it’s all about, giving your all for your team.

All in all a wonderful day of rugby and great camaraderie as the lads all chatted and laughed together afterwards in the clubhouse.

Chesterfield Panthers 2nd XV vs Mosborough 2nd XV

Panthers senior men’s 2nd XV travelled to face Mosborough’s 2nd XV with the odds stacked against them from the outset. Due to injuries and player availability, we headed into the fixture with just 15 players, alongside a few newer players still gaining valuable match experience. It was always going to be a challenging afternoon, but the Panthers were ready to give it their all.

Despite the challenges, Panthers made a strong start, showing determination and some positive game play. The opening try came against the run of play, but the team responded brilliantly rather than allowing their heads to drop.

Some excellent work from David Wrath, followed by a clear and well-timed offload to Josh Shaw, saw Josh power his way over the try line. With the conversion successful, Panthers brought the score back to 7-7, showing exactly what they were capable of.

As the game progressed, Mosborough began to find their rhythm, bringing a fast pace to their game and moving the ball out wide effectively. This created challenges for the Panthers and put our defensive line under pressure.

The second half saw an improvement in our defence out wide, alongside some strong passages of play that deserve real credit. The players continued to work hard, showing commitment and determination throughout. However, Mosborough demonstrated greater strength in both attack and defence as the game went on, making it difficult for Panthers to regain control. The loss of Captain David Wrath in the first half certainly contributed to that as David suffered a painful hamstring injury when he saw clear grass in front of him as he sped towards the try line.

Captain David Wrath commented: “I'm incredibly proud of the Panthers for refusing to let their heads drop, continuing to battle and never giving up, despite the difficult circumstances and limited numbers. Every player put in a shift, and that attitude is something we can build on.

We will take the lessons learned from this fixture, work on the areas that need improving and look ahead to our next challenge. Heads up, Panthers. We go again!”

Next up: Hallamshire Twos at home!

Chesterfield Panthers – Training

All the mini and juniors that didn’t have a game trained at the Panthers ground on Sunday as usual. The Cubs, and age groups up to and including the U12’s train between 9.30 and 11.00 with the older age groups training 11.30 to 1pm and the girls from 1.30PM.

This week the U12’s sent in a training report which gives a great insight into the coaching professionalism and focus on player development.

They were training on the back of a much-improved performance at Ashfield last week. The focus was on tackling, communication, and ruck speed.

The boys really rose to the challenge with some excellent work on the bags, which they then carried forward into the training games. Great communication and some outstanding passing into space coupled with aggressive rucking made for an exciting training session.

All players raised their game. Panthers U12s say they feel ready and confident for next weekend's game, keep an eye out on the Panthers website for details!

Chesterfield Panthers would be delighted to welcome any new players to the club, young or old and with or without experience of our great game. If the core pillars of our game, TREDS, Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship resonate with your own values and those you’d like to see develop in our young people, give me a call 07549 590368 or email [email protected] to chat about getting involved as a player, social member or volunteer.