In a much-improved performance, Matlock scored four tries, two through muscular forward play and two through clinical and skilful back play. Despite this, it wasn’t all easy going as Dunstablians produced a fine second half comeback to score three tries of their own.

On a heavy pitch, Matlock kicked off with a slight breeze at their backs and started brightly, moving the ball into wide channels in an attempt to release the pace of Alex Powell, Ben Neville and Chris Buckley. So far this season, they have been prevented any space by cautious and unimaginative play – a major reason why Matlock have not scored the points they should have this season.

After ten minutes, the home side attacked from well within their own half with Powell releasing Neville down the near touchline, who beat a defender before off-loading to Chris Young to score a wonderful try. Young duly converted and moments later added a drop goal to make the score a 10–0.

Dunstablians also looked a dangerous and well organised team in the early exchanges, however they were let down by poor handling at crucial times after working their way into good positions.

While the first quarter was an even affair, the next belonged to Matlock and in particular the forwards who added some much needed grunt to the pace out wide. In 20 minutes up to half time Matlock managed to turn possession and territory into points with two catch and drive tries. Ball scored the first and Bunting the second in a move involving 14 players.

Twenty points up, forty minutes to play, at Cromford, in the mud – perfect. Well Dunstable had other ideas and for 30 minutes in the second half Matlock barely touched the ball. The lineout that had functioned so well in the first half suddenly began to splutter and the home side just couldn’t get the ball and when they did momentarily, couldn’t keep it.

Having said this for the first twenty minutes Matlock did enough to keep the rejuvenated away side from breaching the try line. When they eventually did through a catch and drive of their own Matlock were visibly shaken. When they scored immediately from the kick off to make the score 20 – 12 it was game on.

Promisingly Matlock regained their composure and for the next ten minutes controlled the play.

They also had the ability and confidence to score possibly the try of the match when Dan Hooton collected a poor clearance kick and the home side moved the ball from one touchline to the other for Chris Buckley to score in the corner. At 25–12 with five minutes to play the game was safe, but there was time for Dunstablians to score a length of the field effort after turning over a Matlock scrum to rival Buckley for try of the match.