Second heavy defeat for Warriors
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Warriors crashed to their second heavy defeat in a row but this game was totally different to last week's capitulation to Bristol.
Fielding a side with eight debutants and three players aged 17 or under, the Warriors battled hard against a well-drilled Derby side and commendably made them work hard for their scores.
City started both halves strongly and the Warriors were always trailing after James Turner powered through in the first minute to score. Gareth Daikin crashed over under the posts after six minutes and with Paul Worthington converting both tries, things looked very bleak for the Warriors.
However, they grabbed a foothold in the game as Tom James twisted through from close range to score. Some excellent defence in the City half twice forced the home wingers into touch to give the Warriors an opportunity but a misplaced pass saw the chance wasted.
Pat Evans' speed was a danger to City and he reduced the arrears with a fine try, racing through the defence from halfway to score. Alex McEwan converted and the Warriors were in the game trailing by 12-10 with 23 minutes gone.
The Warriors' unfamiliar team were slowly getting to grips with the game and defensively some big hits forced errors and, though some of the last tackle options were not the most suitable, they kept possession well and threatened on occasion with some big charges from the forwards.
However, the Warriors' hopes of taking the lead were shortlived and City steadied themselves, Ollie Moorhouse crossing for an unconverted try that rounded off a spell of pressure on the Warriors line.
The Warriors lost the experienced Alex Smith through injury and soon afterwards Tristan Gill gave City a 20-10 halftime lead with an unconverted try.
City dominated the second period but with the Warriors' tenacious defence holding firm, they were never able to really cut loose and run up a big score.
James Fitchett capped City's strong opening to the second period with a try before Turner and Gill each scored their second tries and Lewis Thompson made the score 42-10 on the hour.
However, the Warriors finished strongly and, though they didn't cross the line as breaks and half chances were not converted, City could only add a solo dart from Richard Blagg and a Worthington drop goal for a scoreline that did not reflect the efforts of the Warriors side who could be proud of their display this time.
DERBY CITY: Richard Blagg, Lewis Thompson, Ollie Moorhouse, Tristan Gill, Ian Dennant, Paul Worthington (Capt), Luke Peach, Gareth Daikin, Jordan Cartlidge, Mark Rollinson, David Fitchett, Jens Harris, James Turner. Replacements: Lee Chapman, Craig Barber, Mark Smith, Scott Hudson, James Feeley, Chris Cook.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARRIORS: Regi-Lee Alexander, Ed Stallard, Pat Evans, Matt Hurdle, Nathan Hurdle, Alex McEwan, Tom James, John Wood, Theo Wakefield, Dan Garbutt (Capt), Simon Brown, Dean Barnard, Alex Smith. Replacements: Adam Green, Sam Bowden, James Belgum, Ryan Alexander, Stuart Nicholls, David Flosse-Harris.
Referee: Andrew Kitson (Halifax RLRS)
Star men: James Turner (City), Pat Evans (Warriors)
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