Match Report

Saturday 27th October 2007

Away to Oadby Wygges

Melton hosted Oadby Wygges at the weekend with both teams lying mid table a win for either side would do them a power of good.

Melton playing a similar side to last week! Were greatly improved, with the forwards at last playing with cohesion and a deal of passion

Blair and Allen dominated the lineout with the latter stealing no end of the opposition ball. Melton welcomed back John Hume playing out of position, at hooker and was outstanding. Stockdale the predator scored the first try, it was a typical Stockdale effort but very well taken.

The home side were well on top with Goodliffe giving a man of the match performance. Cleaning up round the fringes and lineout Stockdale scored his second sniping in after some good work from Wooley and Gray, making his debut; we look forward to see him play in his preferred position.

Then the usual happened the home side went to sleep allowing Oadby to score from a lineout, the ball went long and a lucky bounce saw the 8 gather and go over for the try. A period of pressure ensued and only resolute defence kept the visitors at bay, Middleton at Stand off proved what a talented all round player he is, both in attack and defence.

Whitechurch showed deceptive pace and his runs out of defence and in attack kept the opposition on their toes. Again the presence of Paul Wade was inspirational no matter where he is in the line up.

The half petered out with Melton going into the break 10-5 up

In the second half the big boys came into their own, with the assistance of the slope they charged at the opposition with relish, Yates revelling in attack. Yates scored a perfectly good try but for some reason the Referee awarded a five metre scrum from which, the attackers proceeded to make a hash of.

The try of the match came from a prolonged period of play; the attacking side playing textbook rugby recycled the ball through at least nine phases. Eventually finding Robinson on the left who fed debutant Gray for a fantastic well worked try 15-5

This spurred on the opposition and a poor clearing kick fell into the hands of the only danger man the opposition possessed! the result a try under the posts. The conversion was made 15-12 hard to believe but the opposition were within a score of taking the victory.

The game became a bit edgy after seeing what the opposition could do with ball in hand, Middleton decided the percentage game was required this strategy seemed to work and the Melton forwards once again asserted their dominance. Crane chased and harried but given the opportunity of an overlap declined it and a chance went begging. Stubbs went close but running diagonally at the line could not get low enough to ground the ball in goal.

That man Stockdale had the last laugh in going over for his Hat trick; it just shows what a slippery customer he is!!! He even avoided paying for the compulsory Jug.

In the end Melton ran out easy winners but the final score did not reflect this. The game was played in good spirit and we look forward as always to the return fixture.

A valuable merit table win for Melton which was much needed.

Goodliffe; Hume; Brown; Yates; Allen; Sanderson; Blair; Stubbs; Stockdale; Middleton; Gray; Wooley; Whitechurch; Batchelor; Robinson; Spargo; Partridge; Crane

Melton entertained Anstey on Saturday

The opposition certainly looked the part and their warm up drills were a joy to behold.

From the first set piece Melton knew they had a battle on their hands

The opposition front row were awesome.

But the front row of Brown, Goodliffe and Townsend held their own.

Stockdale starting on the wing scored the first try of the day.

The ball was shipped wide by Williams and Stockdale receiving the ball 30 metres out, skinned his opposite number and left the covering tackler clutching at fresh air to score out wide!!!

Lennox and Utley made the second, a strong run from Utley set up a ruck, the ball was popped to Lennox who powered his way to the line tackled 8mts short he offloaded to his skipper Gifford who had the easiest of jobs to touch down.

Melton were 10-0 up. Playing some great rugby!! With Meakin and Yates trundling forward at every opportunity.

Hind returned the ball with pace, not the biggest of blokes he more than punches his weight.

The forward battle was heating up. With Anstey realising their only chance of victory was to dominate up front by fair means or foul.

Big hits were coming in from both sides with no quarter asked for or given.

It was a real war of attrition, and the rucking and mauling was ferocious.

Hayes in the centre was a threat with ball in hand, and with Reynolds formed a formidable centre partnership.

The Anstey scrum half sniped down the blind side but on every occasion flankers Lennox and Sanderson nullified the threat.

Kerr at scrum half marshalled his forwards well, and for his efforts received a bloody nose but this only spurred him on.

Melton finished the half with a try from Lennox, An up and under from Gifford saw the hapless full back with 3 opposition attackers bearing down on him.

The ball was spilled and a kick through saw Lennox gather the ball and gallop 30metres to score under the posts.

The conversion was made.

Half time 17-0

Anstey rallied at half time, and from the kick off came storming into attack.

The first wave was repulsed but the berating from their skipper at half time, must have put new fire in their bellies.

After a prolonged period of possession their chance came and unleashing the backs gained the ground necessary the allow the forwards at last to use their bulk where it matters most attacking the try line.

This they did with aplomb scoring under the posts the try was duly converted.

Game on.

The opposition spurred by their success threw wave after wave of attacks,

In defence Melton were awesome. With newly introduced McMullen and Sparga knocking the opposition backwards in the tackle.

Melton weathered the storm, and the frustration in the opposition soon boiled over.

Despite blatantly slowing play and being penalised, their skipper decide that he knew better than the referee and lashed out at the Melton scrumhalf, sparking a melee that the ref soon had under control.

Melton had the last say with Stubbs going over for a fine individual try.

Final score 22-7 Melton

We look forward to the return with relish.

Melton; Brown, Goodliffe, Townsend, Yates, Meakin, Sanderson, Lennox, Utley, Kerr, Williams, Hind, Reynolds, Hayes, Stockdale, Gifford© Stubbs, Spargo, McMullen

Melton took a youthful side, into the lions den that is Glen Parva

This was for many the first time playing behind closed doors.

The away side travelled without any locks and flying winger John Scutter was drafted into the engine room.

The second spot was taken by Joe from the opposition, not having played much rugby he more than pulled his weight.

His passing shot after the game was that he would come and play for us when he escaped!!!!!!

The game was played at frightening pace, especially for the visitor’s older contingent.

Melton were first on the board following a period of play that saw Hobill pressurising the line,

Stockdale fed Gifford who jinked over the line, converting his try Melton were 7-0 up.

This kick started the opposition and their big inside centre came into his own.

With ball in hand he was unstoppable when given time to run.

Two tries before half time saw the home side go into the break 10-7 up.

Playing up the slope and against the wind Melton had their work cut out.

With Robinson at full back and the flying Hayes in the centre all kicked ball was run back at the opposition.

Hayes playing with an injury had a stormer and his pace in attack posed plenty of problems for the opposition.

Parva‘s inside centre scored his third with a fantastic run from inside his own 22 this man cannot be lost to rugby when released.

He is an awesome talent.

Melton’s second try came from the play of the match Sanderson and Blair carried the ball to the 22 and quick ball from Stockdale saw the ball shipped wide

Prior lurking in the centre was the pivot and his quick pass made the overlap with Robinson going over in the corner, the conversion made the score 15-14.

The game was on and with Crump and Hind on the wings posing a threat with ball in hand Melton were on the ascendancy

But some poor tackling let Parva in for two more tries with the flying centre bagging his fourth.

Melton finished the stronger with Kerr and Crump coming close.

Unfortunately our lack of 2nd row let us down but when travelling to this venue you know it is going to be tough.

The game was played in good spirit and as is not always the case in a sporting manner.

We look forward to repeating the fixture later on in the season, albeit the opponents may be changed a little.

Final score 29-14 Glen Parva YOI.

Melton: McMullen, Betts, Prior, Scutter, Joe, Kerr, Blair, Sanderson, Stockdale, Gifford(c) Hind, Hobill, Hayes, J Crump, Robinson

Meltons season began in ernest last weekend with the old enemy Syston the opponents

The visitors had some old heads in their lineup along with some promising youngsters.

But Melton at last benefitting from players actually playing in position started strongly with the forwards taking the game to the opposition.

Stubbs and Wade combined well and between them carried the ball fully 30 metres deep into the oppositions 22.

After some good work from Lobely and Partridge the defense finally halted Meltons progress 5metres out in front of the posts

From the resulting ruck Gifford fed Yates who powered his way over the line, Gifford added the conversion.

Crump and Hobill in the centre and Berry at fullback ran at the opposition, at every opportunity.

Meltons second came from the talisman that is Alan Wade from 10metres out he powered up the wing, crossing the line and scoring close to the posts,

The conversion was kicked giving Melton a 14 point lead.

As is normally the case Melton went to sleep for twenty minutes with Syston running in 3 tries one before the break and two after.

The stand off hitting two of the conversions

From a dominant position Melton were now playing catchup.

At last Melton got their act together and only strong defense from Syston kept them out.

With twenty minutes to go Hobill at last breached the visitors defense with a typical barnstorming run, scoring out wide.

The conversion was missed leaving the scores tied.

Some strong punting from the Syston standoff saw them gain good ground and pound the Melton line.

Only strong defense kept them at bay, the referee aided their cause with some dubious penalties, all were kickable but Syston elected to run them.

Strange!!! but they must have sensed the Melton defensive line would crumble, but it held firm and when the Syston No8 gave away a silly penalty their chance of a win was gone.

The clearance saw the tables turned, and when Melton were awarded a penalty skipper Gifford had no hesitation to go for the posts.

The three points gave Melton the slenderest of leads, the boot could have well have been on the other foot had Syston taken their chance.

Melton were not going to slip up now and strong tackling kept the visitors in their 22.

Flying wing Jones spent all game trying to get involved and he scored the final try, Hobill kicked a loose ball forward and as it crossed the line,started to fall onto it but to every ones astonishment Liam flew in from nowhere and grounded the ball, the look on Rodger’s face was a picture he thought he was in for a brace, but all credit to Jones who showed exceptional pace. The conversion was scored leaving Melton 29-19 victors.

The score was a good reflection on the 80minutes but had Melton not gone to sleep either side of half time who knows what the score would have been.

Melton: Prior, Wade, Partridge, Yates, Broughton, Lobely, Sanderson, Stubbs, Stockdale, Gifford(c) Wooley, Hobill, Crump, Jones, Berry, Betts, Towley

Birstall were the visitors this week for the last league game of the season.

Playing in brilliant sunshine, it did not take long for the water bottles to empty.

Melton’s forwards found it tough against a really big Birstall side.

Also used to being dominant in the lineout it came as a shock to the system when the visitors more than held their own in this department.

The first try came courtesy of Gary Wooley who after a mazy run up the touchline, scrambled over the line.

Stubbs after one of his barn storming runs at the opposition went over for the second to give Melton a ten point lead.

Not to be out done Birstall came back with a converted try again using the power of their big forwards.

Half time 10-7

Playing down the slope Birstall applied the pressure from the outset and only resolute defending kept the visitors at bay

Melton held out for about fifteen minutes, but after a foray down the left and what looked like a forward pass the winger dived over for the try.

The conversion was good giving Birstall a 14-10 lead.

Sensing an upset and after some strong words from the skipper, the Melton forwards started to dominate and at last provide scrum half Clemons with good ball.

Stubbs and Lobley combined to take the ball to within 10 metres.

From the ruck the ball went wide to winger Wooley who gratefully accepted with the line beckoning his brace was achieved

That man Hind finished off the game with another of his trademark scores.

With ball in hand it is amazing how weaving to and fro the opposition fail to lay a hand on him never mind attempting a tackle.

He weaved his way between the posts, at last giving Gifford a kickable attempt.

The final whistle went and there were some very tired legs, but the after match drinks were greatly appreciated.

Full time 22-14

Melton travelled to league leaders Market Bosworth Social on Saturday, hoping to reverse a narrow defeat in their previous encounter.

But alas it was not to be.

Melton started strongly with the centre pairing of Shouler and Underwood asking questions of the Bos defence.

Bos are not run away league leaders for nothing, their team comprises of a number of excellent players who if playing at any other club would be playing way up the ranks

Melton was full of rugby playing talent but there is no substitute for playing together week in week out.

Outstanding players on the day were Mark Lobley, who played against the Vet camp in the morning and put in a great all round performance in the afternoon.

Adam Underwood who playing in the centre tackled and ran at the Bos defence all game.

Monty who despite the disappointment of being left out of the senior team, for purely tactical reasons!! Was immense tackling and carrying the ball to the opposition with vigour?

Being such a well drilled side it was only a matter of time before gaps in the Melton defence were found.

Bos scored three very similar try’s missed tackles from the visitors was the order of the day, and having so much pace in the back division left the hapless full back extremely exposed.

It did get better and Bos knew they were in a game, playing against a bigger pack only brought the lads together as a tighter unit and they started at first to hold there own, and then take a few of the oppositions ball, alas this was not the case in the lineout with the tall Bos forwards dominating.

The opposition ran in another try in the first half and turned round 22-0 up.

Bosworth strengthened their side at half time, young blood was introduced.

But Melton buoyed by their successes of the first half got stuck in from the outset.

Underwood was unlucky, if only he had spotted the gap left!! Instead of taking on, and almost breaching the Bos defence down the right. A try was on the cards. But it was a great passage of play.

Hayes at fullback also had a penetrating run. He glided past the opposition and only a despairing tackle from the fullback saved the try.

Sanderson at No8 combined well with Stockdale, to unleash Robinson and his backs.

Despite playing against the elements and slope Melton equipped themselves admirably.

Bos ran out worthy winners and are well equipped to run away with the league above next season.

Final score 41-0 Bosworth.

Melton hosted Oadby Wygges on Saturday.

Melton were desperate to get their league campaign back on track, after a dismal showing in their last two league fixtures.

Wholesale changes were made mainly due to injury and unavailability.

Melton benefited from a mixture of youth and experience, with Richard Hesford playing at No4 and the youthful trio of Phil Kerr, Ben Warwick and Dick Split adding pace and enthusiasm to the line up.

Playing with the slope in the first half, Melton exerted the pressure from the outset. But fine individual runs from Stubbs and Dick Split, failed to produce a score.

The break through came wide out on the left, Dick Split ran in from 30metres for the first of his three try’s.

Another two try’s came in quick succession, Dick Split scoring his second very similar to the first, but he managed to get closer to the posts making the conversion simpler, Melton’s third came from Ben Warwick what a well balanced elusive runner he is, breezing in under the posts with his team mates applauding.

Dick Split scored his 3rd  after strong forward play, Goodliffe playing at prop was all over the field, tackling and covering like a back row forward, long may it continue.

Goodliffe carried the ball deep into the opposition 22 and from the resulting ruck Split strolled in for the try.

Richard Hesford was immense all game and made the lineout his domain, winning all his own ball as well as, the vast majority of the oppositions. 

His man of the match performance made life so much easier for scrum half Stockdale back after a forced lay off with a football injury.

Stocky was the catalyst providing the good ball, such a talented back line deserved.

Joe Hind scored Melton’s fifth, again with ball in hand the man is unstoppable, his mazy run must have seen him eat up all of 50 metre’s albeit not in a straight line but it was! a joy to behold.

Hesford got in on the act with a real forwards try, using his immense bulk and power he managed to get over the line despite the attentions of 3 desperate Oadby defenders.

Half Time; 32-0.

Playing with the slope seemed to spur Oadby on, the skipper was very vocal at half time and it certainly did the trick.

Only resolute defence by the centre pairing of Robinson and Richard Evans kept the opposition at bay.

Warwick’s second try came via excellent line out ball, again won by that man Hesford, the ball was whipped out to the fly half who again set off towards the line, the outcome was the same as before with Warwick going in under the posts.

Oadby looked like being on the end of a whitewash, but all credit to them they fought back and were rewarded with 2 try’s one being converted.

Not to be outdone Melton rallied, and when Robinson received the ball nothing was on but a deft slight of hand and a ferocious side step, saw him clear with the line beckoning, he obliged and scored beneath the posts.

With full time beckoning, Melton had a line out forty metres out, that man Hesford secured the ball and set up a driving maul, first Stubbs broke the gain line and then Goodliffe. From the resulting ruck the ball went to Dick Split, passing out of the tackle to Robinson who fed Warwick, tackled man and ball, he fed Richard Evans with a pass!! that to be honest, we are still trying to work out how he managed to ship the ball on!! It was a bit of magic that would have graced any arena. The try was scored, Richard Evans had played his first game for Melton, and we hope he will play many more!!

Nine try’s were scored, Gifford adding six conversions, although the 57-12 score line seems to reflect a one sided game, this was definitely not the case. To give Oadby their due they battled to the end.

Melton’s next league game in a fortnight’s time is away to run away league leaders Market Bos.Social. If the form of Saturday can be emulated, their 100% record is sure to tumble. Team; McMullan, Webb, Goodliffe, Hesford, Brasher, Twidale, Kerr, Stubbs, Stockdale, Warwick, Hind, Robinson, Evans, Hayes, Gifford (C), Lissaman

Melton travelled to the auld enemy Syston on Saturday desperate for a win, after the debacle of last week.

Again team reorganisation was required after losing key players at the last minute.

Melton started by far the stronger, with our big forwards, Sparga and Utley carrying the ball to the opposition and setting up lovely ball for scrum half O’Brien.

Pitch conditions were atrocious, with deep energy sapping mud covering 80% of the playing area.

Melton battered the opposition line but there was no way through.

It took two pieces of brilliance from Joe Hind playing at Fullback for the first time, to break the deadlock.

He collected a clearance kick midway in his own half set off on a mazy run leaving behind him a trail of opposition defenders. His team mates could only applaud as he took on the Syston defence single handed and scored under the posts.

His second came a few minutes later, again a clearance kick fell into his arms and off he went again. There was a look of despair on the opposition defence as they attempted to achieve what they had failed to do earlier, prevent a score. But the outcome was the same another score under the posts, making the conversions simple for stand off Gifford. In all my years playing I have not seen two finer back to back tries.

Melton was playing with authority, and kept the pressure on. A fine run by Adam Chambers, back after a long break with Knee problems. Saw him felled by a tap tackle just when he was, and his team mates were sure, in for a try.

From a rolling maul O’Brien fed Sparga who put in a delicate chip over the opposition defence attempted to chase but the effort was too much and he suffered a muscle tear to his hamstring, and had to leave the field.

Melton were now a man down, and the it was felt in the tight the bulk of Sparga sadly missed.

Syston rallied, the realisation that they could now compete up front seemed to spur them on.

They forced a 5mt scrum and with the extra man in the pack pushed Melton back over the line with the No8 touching down, the try was duly converted.

Half Time; 14-7 Melton.

Syston spurred on by the late first half score applied the pressure from the outset.

Strong defence by centre’s Lissaman and Batchelor kept the onslaught at bay. The back row of Lobley, as ever involved in everything, and the rock that is Roger Utley, were playing out their skins to maintain Melton’s advantage.

The conditions and the fact that Melton were a man down, only proved what a solid front row Melton had out on the park. Goodliffe and Webb were immense with our debutant hooker playing a man of the match role.

Syston’s second converted try came from another push over try, this time after the scrum had wheeled way past the 90º Melton felt aggrieved but the try stood.

Melton decided enough was enough and started to push for the winning score, Syston having conjured up players from nowhere decided to make a couple of changes, fresh legs were required to keep a rampant Melton side at bay.

Following a scrum Gifford had a go at a long range drop goal only to see it drift inches wide, Syston were wilting under the pressure and started to concede penalties, Gifford taking advantage, by slotting of a long range effort right in front of the posts.

With only minutes to go Syston gained a penalty 10mts out and opted for the scrum, expecting to emulate their previous efforts and go for the push over try.

The Melton pack was up to the task preventing the push over. But after a couple of phases the ball popped out to their strong running No8, who barged over for the last minute winning try.

To say Melton were disappointed would be an under-statement, to loose a 14 point lead after being so dominant was hard to bear, lessons will have to be learnt, it is not possible to compete with the minimum of resources in such a tough league.

Full Time 19-17 Syston

Melton was back in action this week after an enforced break.

The opposition were Coalville, a team Melton has an affinity with!! Having paired up on occasions to participate in some of the more obscure competitions

Melton were desperate for a win, points were needed to keep in touch with league leaders Bosworth.

This must win game was never going to be a walk in the park.

Again Melton started slowly, where there should have been urgency, there was complacency!! 

Panic seemed to be the order of the day.

It was not until Captain for the day Yates gave his troops a good dressing down, and the ever reliable Uttley started leading from the front.

His commitment and energy seemed to galvanise the team into playing the rugby we, and they know they are capable of.

Melton first real attacking move came via Simon Botteril who fed winger Wooley who showed just what a danger he is with ball in hand; he was only prevented from scoring by a fantastic covering tackle.

From the resulting lineout, Lobley stole the opposition ball, a maul was formed and the power came on, the ball was grounded but due to the referee’s dodgy knees he was unable to get low enough and the try was disallowed, much to Lobley disappointment, as he was playing against his former team.

Melton’s first try came from a scrum 15mts out under the oppositions posts. Stubbs at No8 picked up and fed scrumhalf Measures who set off across the pitch, the opposition sensing a called move went to counter it!! But Lee Measures ever alert for a scoring opportunity spotted a gap in the defence and went for it, scoring a well deserved individual try. Robinson landed the difficult conversion.

Coalville would not lie down and their strong running centre’ caused a few concerns, but their player of the season so far, was played out of the game by good aggressive defence. The Melton wingers and Robson at fullback, back in the fold after a couple of seasons out with injury, were awesome they chased and tackled all game not allowing the opposition an inch.

Half Time 7-0 Melton

Half time saw the departure of Goosen having picked up a knock in the first half, he was replaced by Marsh drafted into the backs for his tackling and unstinting work rate.

Melton’s forwards continued to apply the pressure the only way they know how, unsung heroes Webb, Goodliffe and hooker Woodcock set up ruck after ruck wearing the opposition. Leaving the way for the big back row of Lobley, Uttley and Stubbs to break the gain line at every opportunity.

It was only a matter of time before the Coalville defence was breached, Underwood a threat all game picked a lovely line, received the ball from Robinson he burst through the opposition with such pace that even the opposing defence looked on in awe, with only the full back to beat he decided to pass? When all around knew he had the line at his beck and call. The ball did pass through two more sets of hands, but the opposition had rallied and the chance was lost.

The best passage of play again petered out without a score, the ball was passed out of the tackle three times, it reached Uttley who with lots to do burst two tackles, it needed an act of bravery to stop a certain try. The opposition full back was up to the task, it was truly a fantastic try saving piece of work.

Melton finished the game off with a classic forward’s try, again the power of the pack came to the fore, and despite the concerted effort of the opposition pack, the guile of the Melton back outsmarted the opposition, turning the power of the opposition defence to Melton’s advantage, fooling them into aiding the march to the line. Stubbs grounded; Robinson just fell short with the conversion, no wonder after 80 minutes playing in those conditions.

Melton ran out comfortable winners although the opposition never gave up. It is always a pleasure travelling to Coalville you are always guaranteed a hard fair game.

Final Score 12-0 Melton

Stamford were the visitors this week, the game was played in perfect conditions, no wind and glorious sunshine.

The visitors came with a massive pack, and their bulk was felt in the tight, but again the new scrummaging law caused a few problems, how can four basic commands, cause so many grown men to regress into childhood.

 Faced with such a disparity in weight advantage, the old heads in the Melton pack quickly re-organised themselves, and managed to nullify the weight advantage of the opposition.

Melton got their heads in front, when, from a penalty awarded 10metres out, scrumhalf Gifford took a quick tap, fed Yates who finding himself in space powered his way over the line, Robinson just missing the difficult conversion.

Stamford came back strongly and only resolute defending by Whitechurch, Horn and Hind kept the visitors at bay.

Melton’s back row of Crane, Lobley and Birch were immense and apart from a few infringements that cost the home side valuable ground, kept Melton in the game.

Stamford eventually broke through the Melton defence scoring a well worked converted try under the posts; this was despite a brilliant piece of play from full back Horn, who tackled his heart out all game. 

Stamford crossed the line again, this time out wide on the left, Melton having lost Botteril who playing again, after a long spell out with injury, took a blow to the chest, which slowed him up for a while before eventually going off in the second half.

Melton managed to equalise right at the end of the half, Woodcock securing Stamford’s ball from a scrum, allowing the versatile Neil Birch to pick up and ground the ball under the posts, leaving Gifford the simplest of conversions.

Half time 12-12

 Stamford started the second half strongly and judging from the noise emanating from their half time huddle!!  Had really got themselves fired up.

They started using their strong running centres, but Whitechurch and Wooley, in the centre due to the departure of Botteril equipped themselves well. But it was out wide where the damage was done, with the extra man the overlap was there, and it was only strong defence, again from Horn and Hide that stopped the opposition running riot.

Melton regained the lead with a fantastic piece of skill from outside half Robinson, he stepped inside his opposite number, handed off the back row and despite being fly hacked from behind managed to slide under the posts. The referee’s decision not to sin bin the offending player was beyond belief; it would have merited a red card in any football game. Gifford added the conversion. !9-12

Stamford still a man up rallied and some atrocious tackling?? Or lack of tackling would be a better description, saw the visitors run in two un-converted tries in quick succession. 19-22.

Their were some big lads on the park and legs were beginning to tire, the Melton skipper rallied his troops for one last effort, and rally they did throwing themselves into the fray.

Andy Crane playing his normal abrasive game, attacked the opposition at every opportunity, it was from one of his forays that a ruck was set up. Drop goal range, but with the scrum half back in the pocket screaming for the ball, complacency set in, there was nobody with enough nonce to take on the scrum half duties. Luckily for us, unlucky for them, the opposition read what was about to happen!! The flanker flew in from an offside position, gifting Gifford an easy penalty to level the scores with the last kick of the game. Melton came away with a draw from a game they should have won quite easily.

But it was a tough fought but enjoyable game, played on a glorious winter’s day; this is what Saturday afternoons are all about!!!!!!

Final Score 22-22.

South Leicester were the opposition on Saturday, this was an important league game as both teams required a victory to keep in touch with league leaders Market Bosworth.

Melton lost skipper Gifford early in the game, but his boots were more than ably filled by Kerry an import from Doncaster. Again the conditions should have dictated that this clash would be a forward battle, but this was not the case with both teams attacking down the centre channel at every opportunity.

The scrummaging was again ferocious and the referee coped well which was surprising after the hash he made of it last week. Melton playing with the slope applied all the pressure but the South defence was up to the task, but in clearing their lines the ball inevitably fell into the hands of Legge or winger Hind, who were at the top of their games, and returned the ball with pace, providing a solid platform for the forwards to attack the line.

The first try came from just such a ruck. Clemons popped the ball to Yates who with Spargo assisting trundled the ball 10 metres, from the resulting ruck the ball was shipped to Kerry, the standoff weaved and powered his way to the line for a fine individual try. Melton were definitely in the ascendancy and the second try came via Brookes who graced the field with his immense presence and power, but he did need the help of his forward team-mates to get over the line.

Melton continued to apply the pressure but the visitors defence held firm. Unfortunately it was not a day for kicking and both of Kerry’s efforts were just wide.

Half time 10-0 Melton

Melton started the second half where they left off in the first half, again south were forced to defend ferociously. From a 5 metre scrum Clemons fed Kerry who set off across the field but with the line beckoning, a break down in communication saw the chance missed. Melton were camped in the opposition 22 and only the clearing kicks gave the defenders any respite.

It was from such a kick that their first try came from. The ball was fielded by Goosen, who yet again proved what an asset to the club he is. The ball was recycled and Kerry seeing space behind the south defence, kicked through only to see it fly hacked back, with Melton in attacking mode there was an acre of space behind the attacking line. Birch and Hind tried to get back but the south forwards were onto the ball quickly, and despite some heroics in the Melton defence the try was scored.

Melton were unlucky not to cross the line on two more occasions but South’s defence held firm.

Time was ticking on and Melton felt the win was theirs, but complacency set in and from an innocuous up and under, South gained a scrum, the No8 picked up and drove for the line, he was stopped short by Lobley and Allen, the ball came back on the Melton side, Clemons fed Kerry who was swamped by South’s back row, and held up over the try line. From the resulting scrum South rallied and again despite more heroics from the home sides defence, managed to plunder the try, South’s kicker found the conditions just as tricky and missed both conversions.

Melton were extremely disappointed not to come away with the points. But again played with passion and skill.

Full time 10-10

Newark were the opposition on Saturday, and it was quite an introduction to the New Year

Having lost quite convincingly on the first day of the season, Melton were looking to up their game. The conditions were to say the least deplorable, but to be honest, it is nice to play in a mud bath every now and again. The conditions should have dictated that the game would be a war of attrition with the forwards battling for every yard. But such was the calibre of the opposition; they set out their store and used their backs at every opportunity.

Again Melton suffered by not having backs that have played together before. The conditions sapped the energy of both teams, and it was a tribute to their determination, if not fitness that the game was played at such a frenetic pace. Newark went over for the first try following a period of fantastic defence from Melton’s big men, Uttley who in my opinion was man of the match!!