Can a derby game "flow"?
I'd argue not. In which case you need a ref just like this one. No sh*t taken, knows when a hard tackle is a hard tackle.
Yes, the "Mr Conversationalist" style as favoured by refs about 10 years ago breaks things up and is a bit frustrating, but that's the flipside.
Sykes was well served with his yellow. The tackle on Brannagan was borderline. Penalty a really, really clumsy challenge by Taylor...unnecessary.
My typical "between 6 and 7" rating...would err on the higher side if pushed.