Chesterfield Panthers President's Corner

Another full weekend of rugby for the all squads at Chesterfield Panthers RUFC and then capped by the NLD U18s (the Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire England Rugby constituent body to which Chesterfield Panthers are associated) chose Chesterfield ground to host their match against Cheshire U18s. A big loss for the NLD but some incredible displays from both teams.

Chesterfield Panthers RUFC 1st XV

Starting the weekend saw the 1st XV travel for a bruising game at East Retford RUFC. This was the 1st team’s match of the season so far with both sides unbeaten. That’s no longer the case with Chesterfield losing the match 56 – 35 against a determined Retford who started strong straight out of the box and continued to push Chesterfield throughout the match.

Chesterfield’s attack has been quick, accurate and positive throughout the season so far but this week few of those qualities were on display. They applied pressure in fits and starts only to lose possession, and Retford seemed able to punish each mistake and handling error time and again. There were flashes of the Chesterfield we know, and a strong, three try comeback at the end of the game, showed some of that resilience and character but the team need to regroup, ignore the previous big margin wins, put aside this first loss and get back to playing their rugby form a position of command and control.

Chesterfield Panthers Girls Section Report

This weekend the U12s and U18s enjoyed a rest, coinciding with half-term, and U18s County trials.

It was mixed fortunes for the remainder of our girls representing the Derbyshire Dragons cluster. The U14s hosted Sandal at Chesterfield in a closely contested and competitive fixture, narrowly losing out to the visitors.

Meanwhile, our U16s were in action at Matlock taking on Leek. A strong performance that was rewarded with an impressive win.

A huge well done to all our girls who represented the cluster this weekend, and thank you to the coaches, volunteers and parents who continue to support girls’ rugby across the cluster.

Chesterfield Panthers U7s and U8s

The U7s and U8s had great support from the sidelines on Sunday for our visit to Ashfield. The U8s showcased some fantastic support play and frequently opted for the easy pass to the closest runner which was great to see.

Once we can got in the extra pass in we avoided running into congested areas and stepping outside the pitch.

Defensively we were forming our line quickly but then slow to close down the opposition, so that's something we'll have a look at next week.

The U7s got off to a quick start and displayed no aftereffects from their trick or treating on Halloween. Their support play continues to develop well with the players now staying on the right side of the ball most of the time and working as a team.

It’s always interesting to reflect on some to the skills we try and coach our youngest players being coached again and again throughout the age groups; teamwork and discipline so important always whilst never losing the

Chesterfield Panthers U9s vs Ashfield U9s

A tough physical test met the panthers under 9s at Ashfield this week, where a well drilled side had us on the back foot at the start.

Panthers grew into the game and were contesting in the contact with parity towards the end on the four frenetic 10 minute quarters played on the day.

The U9s also ran in some super tries, covering the length of the field on several occasions with some great footwork carving holes in the Ashfield defense.

Congratulations to Will our panther of the match who was strong in the contact and at the breakdown phase after phase.

Chesterfield Panthers U10s vs Ashfield U10s

What a performance from the Chesterfield Panthers U10s today!

The boys were absolutely phenomenal, putting in a performance full of teamwork, determination and some fantastic rugby.

The Panthers ran in an incredible 20 tries, while conceding 1 — a fantastic reflection of the effort and commitment shown across the whole team.

From the very first whistle, the Panthers played with confidence and purpose. The passing was excellent, with the team moving the ball brilliantly and creating opportunities for each other. The rucking was strong, the tackling was ferocious, and the try-scoring was simply outstanding.

What stood out most was the way everyone worked together. Players were looking for their teammates, making unselfish passes, supporting each other in attack and defence, and showing a real understanding of what it means to play as a team.

A huge congratulations to Teddy, who thoroughly deserved Player of the Match. His tackling was outstanding, but it was his selflessness and willingness to put the team first that really stood out. A brilliant example of the attitude we want to see from every Panther.

Chesterfield Panthers U11 vs Ashfield U11

What a performance from our U11s this week! The team travelled to Ashfield and were switched on from the off. Full of confidence, determination and teamwork.

Plenty of fantastic tries, some brilliant attacking play and successful tackles throughout the match, with the team conceding just two tries. Every player gave it their all, and it was fantastic to see all their hard work paying off.

A great game played in the right spirit. Be proud, U11s - what an incredible team performance!

Chesterfield Panthers U14 vs Ashfield U14

U14’s hosted Ashfield at home this weekend in a closely contested game.

Ashfield started strong from the whistle, while Panthers took a while to get going.

Despite finding themselves on the back foot after the first ten minutes, Panthers rallied themselves and fought back, starting to match the intensity from Ashfield and the game ended frustratingly, with a very narrow defeat for the Panthers squad.

There were some moments of brilliance from Panthers, with some great footwork and dynamic runs, leading to 2 of our tries. It was encouraging to see things we have been working on in training starting to happen in games & hear the squad talking to each other more to make some good decisions on the pitch & keep each other going.

We just need to find a bit more fire for the next game and start as strong as we finished this one.

We welcomed 2 new players to the squad this week and they fitted in brilliantly, both having great games for their new squad. Evan R was awarded our Player of the Match for never stopping, some great runs and solid defence when needed. Onwards and upwards

Chesterfield U15 vs Buxton U15

It was seasons of mellow fruitfulness at Dunston Road but ultimately a loss for our U15s.

We kicked off and Buxton attacked down the right. Shocked by a harsh, but legal, handoff, Chesterfield’s let one go by and Buxton bagged the first score, 0-5.

Chesterfield struggled to get back in the game and to sort their defence and a powerful and quick Buxton full back showed real power and pace running back at them.

Panthers kept at it with a phased attack that took them right to the line to be then thwarted and we saw the visitors escape to score at the other end.

Approaching half time, Chesterfield put together some decent possession and won an attacking scrum. They attacked on the blind side and blasted over. It was 5-31 at half time.

With a half time talk of the ages Chesterfield rallied. It must have been good because the boys roared out of the blocks in the second half. Buxton kicked off and after decent possession, Chesterfield barrelled through to score.

A front row that had an easy time in the uncontested scrum had a tough game across the park as they battled for possession at the breakdown.

They didn’t shirk it: they showed up well in defence, got in some bullocking runs and bagged a well-deserved try.

The second rows put in a big shift too and had to be adaptable: we now have the hybrid lock forward/outside centre for Steve Borthwick to contemplate.

There were stand out performances across the pitch, two more tries came from Chesterfield’s hard work up front, an adapted second row worked their socks off and they had great distribution from their scrum half and our fly half shifted the ball and tackled bravely throughout and, despite being bounced off by Buxton’s hefty front rower at the first time of asking, he turned, chased him down and hauled his man to the ground. A cracking bit of “never say die” attitude that won him the backs’ player of the match award.

The outside backs had a very challenging match but showed up well. They looked dangerous with some mazy running with ball in hand and didn’t shirk the defensive work.

Chesterfield pulled the game back to 19-31 which showed some proper intent, massive resilience and makes them the President’s team of the weekend. That Panther’s spirt will serve them well and, whilst the end result wasn’t what they wanted, there is real grit to be proud of.

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.