The lads started off the season in the Merit NLD Merit 2 West, which looking at it from the outside, was a very tough league. Out of the 10 league games scheduled, only 5 were played due to the weather, teams unable to field teams and some dubious team selections by the opposition. After a tough start with two loses, the lads finally got on the board with a 33 – 24 win away at Mansfield 3rds. After this, the lads only played two more league game in this league, both were unfortunately loses, before the league was split and shaken up over the Christmas period.

The Second XV were now in the “second” part of their season, which had meant they were now playing in NLD Merit League 2 West (North), and against new opponents. First up were Paviors Horns, who they went on to beat 31 – 21 at The Rec, this was followed by wins against Ashfield, Mellish and Ashfield again, one of which was a 39 – 0 win against the latter. Next up however, were the biggest challenge to the league title, Belper. They had also won all four of their previous games, and with the Second XV travelling away, it was sure to be a tough ask on the day. In a tight match however, the lads showed their defensive skills and nerve and came away with a 15 – 12 win to take them 3 points clear at the top of the table. After this, the lads only played one more league game, this being away at Pavs, which ended in a 48 – 41 victory. Out of the 8 league games that were to be played, 6 were played, and with the NLD calling an end to the season, the lads were awarded the league title, finishing 3 points ahead of their nearest rivals, Belper.

During this time, the Second XV were also in NLD Merit Cup action. 3 games to reach the final, and that’s exactly what the lads did. They started off with a solid 44 - 31 win against Notts Moderns 3rds, followed by a 31 -21 victory over Paviors Horns. Now came the Semi-Final against Notts Casuals. The lads new this would be a difficult game against a solid outfit, and ultimately, they came away in defeat, however a score of 47 – 19 was nothing to grumble about against a solid outfit like Casuals. However, with rumours circulating that Casuals had played ineligible players, the game was investigated by the NLD and found in Tupton’s favour, which meant they had advanced to the final of the NLD Merit Cup. The final came, and it was maybe a game to much for the lads, as they fell to a heavy 90 – 19 defeat to a very strong Ilkeston 2nds. The lads held their heads high however and were incredibly proud to have made it that far in the competition.

First Place in the league and a Cup Final, not a bad season at all and a season to be very proud of from all. And with the talent coming through from the Colts Section, along with a year’s extra experience from the ones who have already played this season the lads will be a tough outfit to play next season, lead by a wealth of experience from some of the senior players.

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