Rugby League Report: Strong second half not enough for Boston

Scotty Stevenson and John Hummel scored tries for the second successive match for Boston Buccaneers, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 62-36 defeat at Derby City.

John Stanfield crossed for two tries with David Fox and Jack Rules each scoring one, while Hummel added six conversions.

Boston’s Scotty Stevenson putting in a tackle to stop a Derby attack. Photo: Shaun Hardwick

Oscar Tatham, Zak Fellows and Lewis Thompson grabbed two tries apiece for Derby, with Dan Makepeace, Ben Carter, Alex Brown, Jake Mark Pilgrim and Tom Anderson each scoring one. Carter successfully kicked eight conversions and Joe Doughty added one.

The first half was mainly one-way traffic with Derby capitalising on Boston errors. There were some bright patches for Boston, but a well-organised Derby side took a 44-6 lead in at the break.

Boston’s Rory O’Sullivan in action against Derby. Photo: Shaun Hardwick

Boston’s only try of the first half came from John Stanfield and Hummel added the conversion.

The second half was a completely different affair as it was Boston who were in the ascendancy.

Boston’s Scotty Stevenson running at the Derby defence. Photo: Shaun Hardwick

The visitors reduced the deficit when Fox went over for a try out wide after some good approach play and a move through the hands. Hummel added the extras.

Derby crossed for a try before Boston enjoyed a period of dominance with Adam Chappel, Jimmy Underwood and Stanfield directing the Buccaneers around the pitch.

Boston winger Jack Rules was a constant threat against Derby. Photo: David Dales

Boston were also able to capitalise on good work from Rules and Stevenson by scoring three unanswered tries. Stanfield, Rules and Stevenson scored the tries with Hummel converting all three to reduce the deficit to 50-30.

Derby crossed for tries either side of a deserved score for the hard-working Hummel to complete a 62-36 victory.

Jimmy Underwood in action for Boston against Derby. Photo: Shaun Hardwick

After the match Boston head coach Jim Dearing said: “We came up against a well drilled Derby team and were our own worst enemies in the first half, gifting possession and field position to a far bigger side.

“Our performance in the second half though was outstanding and every one of the players showed what we can do when we play to our strengths.”

Boston’s next game is at home against Telford Raiders on June 1.