Sat 25 Mar 2023, 15:00
On a bittersweet day at Ordsall Road, we said a final farewell to a previous player, Bobby Alcoran, on our last league game of the season.
With 2 teams playing at home, it was fantastic to see the club packed with old friends, creating an atmosphere to relish.
The bad forecast was replaced by bright sunshine as both Belper and East Retford lined up for a minute’s silence. We have been seeing great improvement in recent games with structure and composure starting to become natural, and paying off.
It was a tight encounter from the start, with the majority of play in the middle of the park. Neither team were able to get a foothold in a contest which was won by the defence of both sides. Out of nowhere, a dangerous kick was slipped through by Belper, bobbling just short of the Retford line. Adam Fenney, alert to the danger, raced across and did exceptionally well to stay in the field against the on-rushing Belper attack. Our desire showed as in no time the whole team was back behind the ball and able to clear our lines.
Retford would counter by making a couple of breaks through the centres with Ali Waring and Greg Wood, good interplay with the back row of Keelan Ward and Henry Sly and the back three of Luke Osbourne and Adam Fenney would release the blistering Theo Severn down the wing, only to be called back for a forward pass. Retford was building pressure but still unable to breach the stubborn defensive line. It was time to get some points on the board for all our hard work. The next penalty in range was taken by Ollie Breedon 3-0.
The first half continued similarly and Belper decided that the Yellow Brick Wall would not break and took a simple 3 points for themselves, making the score 3-3 at halftime.
The third quarter of the match belonged to Retford, a fantastic identification of space, Jack Jenkins grubbered the ball through to himself only to be held inches short. The forwards settled into their work and powerful surges by Paul Barret and Tom White, left Matt Watt to beat the remaining 16 players and cross the whitewash for his customary try of the season. Converted by Ollie Breedon. 10 - 3
A clean take from the kick-off by Keelan Ward, who beat the first defender, allowed a quick second pod run by the explosive James Wright and Dave Ruzicka who followed suit. Jack identified a mismatch giving a perfect inside ball to Greg Wood who broke through with Ollie Breedon in support. A cute interchange beat the Belper full-back and then the winger for Greg to waddle in for Retford’s second try. Converted by Ollie – 17-3
This kicked Belper into gear, and using the wind to their advantage they made camp in Retfords 22, where they stayed. Retfords defence held strong with Harry Salathiel and Michael Green continuing to repel the attacks. With the game starting to break up and the toll of the encounter starting to build Retford took another penalty to take the game out of reach. Kicked by Ollie – 20-3
MoM goes to Michael Green for his relentless tackling on a day when our defence won the game. Special mention to Jack Jenkins who lead the attack and broke the game open. A massive thank you should also go to our patient supporters who have endured some poor results this year and it was fantastic to end on a high.
This was a hard-fought victory and one to be proud of. The progression through the season has been clear to see and to not concede a try is a fantastic achievement. The bar filled and we reminisced about the league season and celebrate our victory.
