Honours even for Derby after strong fightback

DERBY ended their losing run in Regional 1 North West thanks to a second-half comeback against Manchester.

- 

Nathan Bevan-Brown scored Derby's first try to start the second-half fightback against Manchester. Pic: ERIC GREGORY

(ERIC GREGORY)

And the hosts even had a chance to win it at the end but had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 24-24 draw.

But it looked grim at halftime as Derby trailed 24-3.

"At halftime I just reminded the players that it was all still in their control," said Derby head coach Liam Slatem.

"I didn't have to say too much. The players are the ones doing the job and as a playing group, I left it to them.

"Obviously there was a positive response after halftime but it was still disappointing to be in that position at the break.

"The lads responded really well and got us back into a position to actually go and win the game.

"In the first half I don’t think we played the right game in very difficult conditions.

"We probably didn’t kick well enough and vary them.