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10th Feb 2010

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Panthers teach students a lesson
By The Master - October 5 2003
The Panthers dedicated the game to the memory of young player Christian Brooke who was tragically killed in a car accident last week in France. After a minute silence before the game, the Panthers were in a very subdued move and took over 10 minutes to open the scoring with a Bomber Graham penalty. >

After taking the lead the Panthers sprung into action and after a half break by centre Bomber Graham, an inside pass by Jamie Miller gave Bryn Locke the simplest of tries which Graham converted.

Immediately from the kick off, the University struck back. A charge down of an Ollie Campbell clearance kick let in the University for a converted try. This woke up the Panthers and after some good back play; powerful centre Nick Mcveigh broke two tackles to cross in the corner, Graham again duly slotted over the conversion. The Panthers pack were by now scrumaging the home eight with Ian O’ Neil using his size to devastating effect ably supported by Big Dave. After another scrum against the head, one of 10 that Liam Rodda’s took on the day, flanker Ady Liszka powered over for another converted try which was soon followed by another converted try from No8 Bryn Locke. Just before the half time whistle another superb Bomber Graham break gave Ady Liszka the simplest of tries, which Graham again converted.

Half Time score
Panthers 38 University of Derby 7

In the 2nd half, the Panthers played some expansive rugby, which suited their pacy backs. Inside centre Waylon Graham was having an inspired game and his vision and eye for the gap created numerous overlaps for the Panthers. The two wingers Jamie Miller and Ivan Stevenson were the main beneficiaries with both scoring a brace of tries. Graham converting three of the tries and inexplicably missed one.

With twenty minutes remaining, the Panthers took off influential flanker Ady Liszka who had an excellent game for the Panthers, centre Waylon Graham and hooker Liam Rodda and introduced Ged Dearnley, Paul Joyce and Arwyn Morgan. There were further tries in the last minutes for Malcolm Wellor and Silvino Francisco both going unconverted.

Even though the final score suggests a one sided game, credit must go to the University for competing to the final whistle. The Panthers could and should have scored a lot more tries but poor handling, selfishness and poor decision making let several try scoring opportunities go to waste.

The man of the match was a superb flanker display by Silvino Francisco pushed all the way by Ady Liszka and Bomber Graham. There was also a powerful display at inside centre by Nick McVeigh, which could keep younger brother Ryan on the bench for next week. This was a fine win considering that six first team squad members were missing due to injury or work commitments.

The final score being Panthers 74 University of Derby 7