Dereham made amends for one of their few defeats this season with a resounding win against Medics, writes Tim Evans.

By their own admission, the away Eastern Counties Two North fixture at Medics earlier in the season was one to forget but the Moorgate team has been in fine form recently and there was more than a hint of revenge in this match.

Early Dereham pressure resulted in several phases of possession before a kick through was chased down by number eight and man-of-the-match Matthew Reece for the first score in the 11th minute. Ethan Jones converted superbly from the touchline.

The Medics' reply was immediate, converting a penalty given against the home team for not rolling away after the tackle. It was big prop Chunk Davis who set up the next try with a strong break and pass for Gaz Roberts to cross. His try was converted.

Dereham, 14-3 ahead, were hungry for more points after the break and they soon arrived. The reliable Brett Stolworthy made good yards again before releasing the versatile and pacy Harry Graham, playing on the wing. He made good ground before he was tackled and set up a ruck. But there was quick support and the visitors could not keep out Davies.

In the 60th minute, Alex Amys – making a welcome return to the team – made a strong charge involving a couple of text-book hand-offs, before passing to winger Phil East to increase the home team lead.

The away team's resistance was fading with Davies crashing over for his second score of the match.

Tempers became a little frayed in the final quarter but the home team's discipline held. Ruddy Gant picked up a loose ball midway in the Medics half, handed off two tacklers to score a good try in the 73rd minute.

Medics were unable to hold the home team now and captain for the day, Lewis Smith, showed good pace to make 30 yards before unselfishly passing to second row Jack Hill to dive over.

Somehow, Medics picked themselves up to add to their total but it was too little too late and Dereham's Graham rubbed salt into the wounds with another try.

Skipper Smith said: 'The result was very pleasing. It was payback time for the team which we managed with interest so we are feeling very pleased with ourselves at the moment.

'Team performances have been at a good level of late and spirit in the camp is high so hopefully we can retain this for the rest of our season.'

Dereham return to action when they visit Wymondham II this afternoon.