MATLOCK go into Sunday's Derbyshire Cup final on the back of three straight Midlands Two East wins, which have already put some shine on a largely disappointing campaign.
The Dales outfit finished the league season with a 17-12 win on the road at Three Counties champions Newark on Saturday. A similar performance against lower league Ashbourne should see Matlock retain the county trophy for the third season in successi
on.
After facing – and comfortably defeating – arch-rivals Derby in the past two seasons' finals, Matlock find themselves in the unfamiliar position of clear favourites to take the silverware.
But coach Chris Loeber is taking nothing for granted and even had experienced second rower Rob Poyser on a scouting mission at Ashbourne at the weekend.
"Ashbourne are not to be underestimated," said Loeber.
"What we know is that they are a town club, like us, and they will play for each other. They tackle and they won't roll over. They will most definitely provide stiffer opposition than Ilkeston did in the semi-final, even though Ilkeston are above them in the league – Midlands Three East (North) – and I fully expect that we will have a battle on our hands."
"We need to prepare properly and make sure our game is right," he added.
Finals day is at Derby Rugby Club's Haslams Lane ground this year and while Matlock's first XV will contest the cup final at 3pm, their second XV have a county final of their own against Derby seconds kicking off at 12noon.
For the firsts, they should be up to full strength, although number eight Mike Brookes and hooker Dan Fletcher suffered knocks at the weekend.
Poyser is expected to have overcome the neck injury which has sidelined him since the victory at Syston.
The Newark victory proved a satisfying end to a campaign that finally gathered momentum in March.
Although a restructure of the league system eradicated the threat of relegation, Matlock did enough in the final weeks to finish above what would have been the drop zone - and to finish higher than Derby, which is always a source of satisfaction at Cromford Meadows.
Loeber saw much to cheer him in the Kelham Road performance, notably from young second rowers Adam Twyford and Tim Taylor and openside flanker Jack Wagg.
"The younger lads are starting to make and impression and affect the outcome of games," said the coach, who also praised prop Dave Ball for his leadership in his first season as captain.
