Dronfield Stags start the year in impressive style
Dronfield Rugby Club’s Stags kicked off their first game of 2026 in Counties 3 Midlands East (NW) with an entertaining home victory over Bakewell 1st XV, setting the tone for the year ahead.
Bakewell opened the scoring early with a penalty conversion to move 0–3 ahead, and then extended their lead when a try followed, although the conversion was missed (0–8). Dronfield responded well, with Adam Walker-Kahn crossing for the hosts’ first try, neatly converted by Luke Nicholson to narrow the gap to 7–8.
Momentum swung firmly the Stags’ way when hooker Andy Chambers powered over for a second try, though the conversion was missed to put Dronfield 12–8 in front. Further pressure told as Billy Cox added another try, again converted by Luke Nicholson before James Atkinson-Parmenter finished a flowing move just before the break, Nicholson converting again to give Dronfield a 26–8 halftime lead.
At the interval, both sides could take credit for playing positive rugby, but Dronfield’s increasing physical presence and control in contact were beginning to assert themselves.
The Stags picked up where they left off after the restart, with Paul Hirst crossing for a try which Nicholson again converted to stretch the lead to 33–8. Bakewell showed good character to hit back with a converted try (33–15), but Dronfield remained on top. Jack Crawley added another try to make it 40–15 before Bakewell had the final say with a late try to close the scoring at 40–20.
Overall, it was an impressive and confident performance from Dronfield — a strong start to 2026, and clear evidence that there is plenty more to come from the Stags .They will look forward to their trip to Ashbourne next Saturday with added confidence