Towcestrians slipped to their 12th league defeat of the season, despite a battling effort at Derby, and remain in 8th place in the league but looking nervously over their shoulders with just 5 league games remaining, knowing that a couple more wins are still needed to see them over the line for the season

This was a game that they could of won, keeping themselves in contention thanks to a solid first half display into a blustery wind, it was the home side who started the brighter however, scoring a try early on followed by a penalty to go 8 points ahead, Tows fullback James Snook had to leave the field injured and replacement Matt Yuill made an immediate impact, scoring for Tows wide out in the corner with practically his first touch of the ball, Yuill unable to convert his own try, Tows then went further ahead, a quick tap penalty caught Derby off guard and Jamie Warr finishing off a Gus Hopewell run, converted this time by Yuill. Derby responded with a try of their own after sucking the Tows defence in through a number of phases eventually spreading the ball wide for a run in for the Derby winger.

Derby's infringing saw them down to 13 men for a short period before half time and after declining to take a shot at goal Tows failed to take advantage opting for the driving maul from lineouts, thwarted by Derby's defensive efforts and Tows own lack of precision for the half to end 13 - 10 to the home side.

Just 3 points down and with the wind at their backs the Tows coaching staff were hopeful of a turnaround, but the second half was a completely different story, Derby knowing what was required into a strong wind, they retained possession and were quick to the breakdown when Tows had the ball, with the majority of play in the Tows half, only Tows committed defence keeping them at bay for long periods, eventually cracking for the Derby backs to find some space to score a third try. Tows continued to work hard and play with the very limited possession that they could get from turnovers, but under so much pressure and with little ball it was a half where the elements needed to be used, the cool head and precision kicking of a Marc Yeates or Gag Evans of old was needed to turn Derby and make them play from deep, Tows choosing to run from deep in their own half and play a more expansive style, the conditions not helping and turnovers coming cheaply, despite all Tows best defensive efforts the line was eventually broken again for Derby's bonus point try from a line out drive and the win.

Elsewhere much success from the other teams with Tows 2nd XV coming away with a terrific away win at Derby 2nd's, who had only lost 3 games all year, 7 - 17, the 3rds had success at ON's 2nd XV 31- 12, the Colts won 22 -14 over Luton and Towcester Ladies played their first ever match putting 50 points on Royston Ladies.