North's 1st team squad travelled to Stocksbridge, a top Yorkshire 3 side, for a pre-season friendly. North's entire available first team squad had a good run out and played with flair, energy and commitment. Despite the level of opposition the visitors soon opened up the game, with the forwards in fine fettle and finally after 3 seasons playing phased rugby. Good ball retention by the front five enabled Dominic McGurrin to touch down from five yards out. North Derbyshire's next try was undoubtedly the try of the match. When Jamie Miller caught a hopeful punt from the home side on his own five metre line there looked to be a threat from Stocksbridge, but stepping into top gear he gassed by the bamboozled defence to touch down. North Derbyshire now put the home team under the cosh and soon rattled up the score. Tries coming in quick succession from Mark Liszka, Liam Rodda (scoring his first ever try in a first team shirt), Bryn Locke, Rob Parkinson and Jamie Miller with three more. Ollie Campbell and Malc Wellor added the conversions.

Stocksbridge, fantastic host throughout the day, never gave up the struggle and scored a well worked consolation try. North Derbyshires first team captain Terry Titley said after the game "This was a fine performance and reflected all the hard work that the lads had done in pre season training, but we must not relax, we have to up the tempo, we have a hard season ahead and must stay focused.".

North Derbyshire & Oxcroft 1st XV's next game is at home on Saturday 3rd September against Droitwitch RFC in the RFU Vase, kick off 3.00pm. Come and lend your support and see the Panthers in action against a top Southern side!!!

Tries: Miller (4), M. Liszka (2), Rodda, Locke, Parkinson, Campbell, McGurrin
Cons: Campbell, Wellor

15 Parkinson, 14 I.Stevenson, 13 Collins, 12 M. Liszka, 11 Miller, 10 Wellor, 9 Campbell, 8 A. Liszka, 7 Locke, 6 Rodda, 5 McGurrin, 4 E. Williams, 3 Titley, 2 N.McVeigh, 1 N. Williams, Reps: Skank, Dawson