MATCH REPORT

SYSTON 7'S

SUNDAY 29th April 2007

Melton closed their successful season with a trip to the Syston 7's.

In the pool stages they first met Lutterworth and although they produced some good rugby and scored through Norgate they lost 12-5.

The second match saw a close contest against Loughborough with honours even at the break with scores from McNally-Reilly and Williams. Melton scored the only try of the second half to take the match 15-10.

The final group match saw Melton play their best rugby against Belgrave with scores from Badham and Betts providing an early advantage. Second half scores from Lyne and Badham provided a comfortable win 22-10.

The semi final against Market Bosworth again saw Melton sprint into an early lead with tries from Lyne and Badham. A further try from Betts in the second half took Melton clear before Bosworth responded with two scores. Melton winning 17-12.

The final against Hinckley proved one match too far for the much depleted Melton squad who gave their all but were well beaten by a good side 27-0

Team : Badham, Betts, Fielding, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

BLACKPOOL TOUR

SATURDAY 21st & SUNDAY 22nd April 2007

This season April Tour took Melton Under 15's to Blackpool to find out what quality of rugby Lancashire had to offer. It turned out to be a high standard and Melton were treated to two outstanding fixtures.

Saturdays match took the team to Fylde and looking a little jaded, probably from the previous evenings Karaoke, they were slow to start and came under early pressure from the well drilled hosts. Following a speculative kick ahead the Fylde winger caught the ball following a wicked bounce to score under the posts with the try duly converted. The second half saw a much more determined Melton side with Man of the Match Miller leading by example.

Following prolonged pressure Williams crashed over for the first score which Lyne converted. Fylde then regained the lead with a well taken penalty only for Lyne to force his way over. It was then left to Eggleston to slot a penalty in the dying seconds. Melton 15 Fylde 10.

Sundays match saw Melton take on Fleetwood in another tough contest. The tourists used their secret weapon with Starkey brought in at fly-half.

Melton took an early lead with tries from Betts and Vamplew and really had the hosts under pressure which they converted into further scores from Lyne, which he converted and a second from Vamplew. Man of the Match Fielding gave a solid performance on the wing.

The home side rallied well after the break and scored two good tries which they converted. However with ten minutes remaining Vamplew completed his Hat-Trick to make the game safe with Fleetwood grabbing the last try. Melton 27 Fleetwood 19

Melton remain unbeaten on Tour for the last four seasons.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 15th April 2007

AWAY to BELGRAVE

RESULT Melton 34 : Belgrave 5

Melton started this match strongly with Vamplew crashing over in the first minute. The rest of the half remained a closely contested affair with only a score from Williams shortly before half time extending the lead. Melton always looked in control but will need to show a little more sharpness when they travel to Blackpool next weekend on tour.

In the second half Melton started to show their better matchplay with early tries from Foreman and Man of the Match, Miller. The hot weather started to take its toll with the pace of the game starting to slow. Eggleston made a good break to score under the posts with Lyne completing the scoring by running in unopposed on the overlap.

Eggleston kicked two conversions.

Team : Badham, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 25th March 2007

HOME to MARKET HARBOROUGH

RESULT Melton 26 : Market Harborough 0

Playing into a strong wind in the first half, Melton took some time to settle in the pool fixture. A lot of good rugby was played by both sides but Melton were always in the ascendancy and finally broke the deadlock when winger Foreman sprinted in at the corner. As often the case this year the Melton forwards played a strong part in the game with Vamplew and Ward outstanding and backed up by Miller, Heaver and Olson in the back row.
Shortly before half time Miller pounced to double the score.
In the second half Melton looked to move the ball wider but it was Vamplew who crashed over from short range.Man of the Match Eggleston pulled all the strings at fly half with telling kicks and good ball distribution. The final score of the game went to Williams on the stroke of full time. Eggleston kicked three conversions.


Team : Badham, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 18th March 2007

AWAY to AYLESTONE ST JAMES

RESULT Melton 26 : Aylestone St. James 0

Melton turned in a first class performance in this weeks fixture with backs and forwards combining to provide great running rugby.

Playing with a strong wind Melton took an early lead through a close drive by Vamplew following a great midfield break by Williams. The lead was doubled when centre Lyne took a short pass from Eggleston to score close to the posts.

Playing into the wind in the second half Melton changed tactics and looked to move the ball through the forwards which they did brilliantly. Having driven through the forwards into the Jimmies 22 Norgate released the ball to Eggleston to score in the corner. Melton were now in full control with the hosts unable to win any quality possession and from another flowing move Ward picked up from close range to drive over. Eggleston converted on three occasions.

This was one of the Meltons best performances of the season so far.

Team : Badham, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 11th March 2007

AWAY to LEICESTER LIONS

RESULT Melton 17 : Leicester Lions 7

This weeks Melton side had an experimental look about it with a number of players given the chance to prove their worth from the start of the game.

The whole side stepped up to the mark with solid performances throughout.

Melton took the lead midway through the first half with a score from Ward under the posts. Williams converting. The lead was short-lived when the Lions fly half broke the Melton back line to feed the centre for a good score. Melton regained the lead on the stroke of half time with another driving score from Ward.

A number of changes were made at half time which tightened up the Melton defence and provided good possession for Miller to stretch the lead.

There were a number of good performances for Melton, notably Man of the Match Olson in the back row and debutant Kenworthy on the wing.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Heaver, Kenworthy, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 18th February 2007

AWAY to OADBY WYGGS

RESULT Melton 5 : Oadby Wyggs 3

Melton were slow to start in this rearranged pool fixture. Matches between these two sides have always been close and so it proved once more.

Oadby had the better of the early exchanges, pinning Melton in their own 22 for long periods. However an outstanding defensive performance from Melton ensured that half time arrived with the match scoreless.

The home side took the lead in the opening minute of the second half with a well taken drop goal. It was from this point that Melton started to play as they know they can, keeping ball in hand and driving through the forwards.

Much of the second period was played in the Oadby half with Melton crossing the line on three occasions only to be awarded a 5 metre scum. Eventually Norgate moved the ball down the blindside of the scrum to feed Man of the Match Eggleston to score in the corner. The last five minutes were a tense affair but Melton ran out deserving winners.

Team : Badham, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 11th February 2007

HOME to SYSTON

RESULT Melton 43 : Syston 0

Melton took an early lead in this local derby with a powerful surge to the line by Vamplew. The pitch was in poor condition following overnight rain and both sides struggled to control the ball effectively. Midway through the half Melton scored two quick tries through Norgate and Fielding to stretch their lead. Although the scrummages were uncontested due to the visitors lack of experienced front row forwards the Melton pack controlled the play well. Miller scored a well worked try from a shortened lineout to extend the lead at half time.

Melton continued to rip into Syston in the second half with a couple of tries from Williams and another from Vamplew. Man of the Match Ben Tinsley showed up well in both tight and loose. The Syston players deserve credit for competing fully with a depleted side.

Eggleston converted four of the scores.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 4th February 2007

HOME to NUNEATON

RESULT Melton 23 : Nuneaton 17

This fixture against Warwickshire opposition proved to be one of the best contested matches of the season. Melton took the early honours with an Eggleston penalty only for the visitors to hit back with a well worked try.

The forward play from both sides was uncompromising and hard fought with Ward, Vamplew, Miller and Heaver outstanding. Midway through the half Melton secured good ball which they moved wide from half way to send McNally-Reilly over in the corner. Another Eggleston penalty extended the lead only for Nuneaton to come back with two tries before half time.

Early in the second period Foreman managed to lose his marker on the wing and sprinted 50 metres to score, Eggleston converting. The crucial score of the match came from man of the match Norgate who was on hand from close range.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne,McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 21st January 2007

AWAY to Hinckley

RESULT Melton 10 : Hinckley 5

Melton produced another solid performance to win this game in appalling conditions.

Matches against Hinckley are always uncompromising affairs and so it proved on this occasion with no quarter asked or given.

Once again the forwards were prominent but it was left to backs Norgate and Man of the Match McNally-Reilly to provide the crucial scores.

Melton tackled well to keep the home side out and just about deserved the hard fought win.

Team : Badham, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne,McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 14th January 2007

HOME to Broadstreet

RESULT Melton 53 : Broadstreet 0

Melton started the New Year with an impressive nine try haul against a strong Broadstreet side.

In tough conditions the visitors played with the wind in the first half but were immediately put under pressure from a rampant Melton pack. Playing close uncompromising forward rugby, Melton were quickly two scores ahead thanks to Ward and Miller. Broadstreet struggled to get into the game but further tries from Williams and Vamplew provided Melton with a comfortable cushion at the break.

The second half saw more of the same with tries from Williams, Heaver and Badham. Melton started to play a more expansive style providing centre McNally-Reilly the opportunity to dance his way under the posts. The final score of the game was provided by the impressive Miller. The entire Melton front row played particularly well winning numerous scrums against the put in.

Eggleston hit four conversions.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 10th December 2006

AWAY to Leicester Forest

RESULT Melton 39 : Leicester Forest 5

Melton produced another solid performance to win this match in tough conditions.

Playing into a strong wind Melton started slowly on a muddy pitch but were soon rewarded with two Vamplew tries from close range. The Vamplew hat-trick was completed half way through the first half with another score from Heaver providing a healthy advantage at the break.

Melton continued to dominate with the wind in their favour with both backs and forwards producing powerful runs. Scores from Ward and Foreman extended the lead before Forest scored a good consolation try. Man of the Match Douglas worked tirelessly up front contributing to many good pieces of play.

A final try from Vamplew completed the scoring with Eggleston successful with two conversions.

Team : Badham, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Pawley, Rocket, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 3rd December 2006

HOME to Northampton Old Scouts

RESULT Melton 39 : Northampton Old Scouts 0

Melton produced some top quality rugby in the rearranged fixture. Playing into a stiff wind in the first half Melton kept the ball tight looking to drive up through the forwards and were rewarded by two close range scores from Vamplew and Heaver.

Playing with the wind in the second period Melton then looked for territorial advantage from the boot of Lyne and Man of the Match McNally-Reilly which kept the visitors pinned in their own 22 for long periods. Further scores for Vamplew and Heaver followed by tries from Norgate, McNally-Reilly and Fielding rounded off a fine performance. Lyne landed two conversions.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Fielding, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Rocket, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Vamplew, Ward, Wright.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 19th November 2006

AWAY to Loughborough (County Cup second round)

RESULT Melton 10 : Loughborough 21

Melton lost this County Cup tie in a close encounter at Loughborough.

Playing with the wind Melton were soon rewarded with a penalty from Eggleston only to see it cancelled out shortly after with a similar score from the home side.

Neither team were able to get any level of continuity into their play and it was only on the stroke of half time that Loughborough took the lead with a close range drive for the line following a good midfield break.

Although Melton's back line didn't function particularly well going forward there were good tackling displays from Foreman and Man of the Match Betts out wide with Lyne cleared up well at fullback.

Loughborough's superior territorial game put them in a strong position to drive over in the corner to increase their lead which was followed by another penalty.

The best try of the game went to Melton, from ruck ball the ball was moved to the left were Foreman showed the Loughborough defence a clean pair of heels. Eggleston converted.

The final score went to the hosts with a short range penalty.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Prior, Rocket, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 5th November 2006

AWAY to Belgrave

RESULT Melton 21 : Belgrave 0

On a great day for rugby both sides started well with little to choose between either set of forwards. Melton backs had the better of the wide exchanges although being unable to make the crucial break for the line.

It was left to Foreman to score late in the first half following a weaving run in midfield.

In the second half Melton began to take charge and although the Belgrave team tackled well it was the visitors who were playing the quality rugby and following a concerted forward effort Vamplew drove in from close range.

Half way through the second period Foreman ran in from 40 meters following good work from the Melton back line in which Man of the Match Lyne played an important part.

Eggleston converted all three scores.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Prior, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 29th October 2006

AWAY to Newark

RESULT Melton 31 : Newark 5

Melton got back to winning ways with a solid if unspectacular win at Newark.

The visitors forwards seemed strangely out of sorts and found it hard to dominate up front in their usual manner leading to a lack of good possession going forward. It was left to Badham to score the only try of the half following good interplay at close range.

The second half was much improved and with Melton's fitness starting to tell on the opposition the ball was beginning to move out to wide positions allowing first Foreman and then Betts to score. Man of the Match Eggleston produced some fancy footwork to bemuse the Newark winger and go over in the corner.

Foreman rounded off the scoring collecting a defensive clearance and breaking tackles to score under the posts.

Eggleston was successful with three conversions.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Prior, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 22nd October 2006

RESULT Melton 17 : Towcester 55

Melton lost their unbeaten record in dramatic fashion against a very strong and confident Towcester outfit.

Playing against a strong wind the home side raced into an early lead following a close range effort from Vamplew. The visitors however started to take control and ran in three ties of their own in quick succession using an exceptional set of backs to do the damage.

Man of the Match Ward crashed over shortly before half time which Eggleston converted but Towcester snatched a score of their own on the stroke of half time.

In the second half against the wind the visitors cut loose running in a further five tries all from distance with only a consolation try from Ward in reply.

Team : Badham, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Prior, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 8th October 2006

RESULT Melton 12 : Coalville 12

Melton produced another fine performance against last seasons County Champions.

The home side took the benefit of the breese in the first half and set about building an advantage. As so often this season the forwards dominated the early exchanges with great commitment and from a thundering drive produced the ball for scrum half Badham to dive over. Eggleston added the conversion.

The quality of rugby from both sides was by far the best seen this season with no quarter asked or given and tackling of the highest standard.

Eggleston kept the visitors pegged back in their own half with long range kicks and from a short range penalty Vamplew drove over.

Coalville started to come back into the game toward the end of the first half and scored a good try through their second row which was converted.

The second half proved a tight affair with the defences on top however Coalville broke down the blind side from a scrum for flanker Calum McWhir to score in the corner to level matters.

Neither side were able to add to their tally with Coalville denied a score at the death by Melton Man of the Match Danny Williams.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 1st October 2006

AWAY to Kibworth

RESULT Kibworth 7 : Melton 46

Melton produced their best performance of the season so far to totally outplay their hosts at Market Harborough.

Having made a number of enforced late changes Melton looked to keep the ball tight within the forwards leading to scores for Man of the Match Heaver and Ward. Midway through the first half Eggleston snapped up a loose Kibworth pass and cantered in from 40 meters. The try of the match came from scrum half Badham following fantastic support play from backs and forwards alike keeping the ball available in the contact area with close driving support play.

Foreman was next to score breaking loose from midfield with Heaver rounding off the first half scoring with a try under the posts.

The second half was calm by comparison with a short range score for Williams followed by a flowing backs move to put Fielding in at the corner. Kibworth were awarded a consolation score from close range on the stroke of full time.

All credit must go to the forwards for presenting such a great platform from which to play the game.

Eggleston kicked three conversions for a final score 46 : 7

Team : Badham, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, Miller, Olson, Parker, Parry, Pawley, Rockett, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 24th September 2006

Away to Mellish RFC

RESULT Melton 36 : Mellish 0

Melton took the opportunity to field something of an experimental side against Mellish, giving all their available new players a start. Understandably it took Melton some time to get their game going, heavy rain made for a slippery ball which hindered good handling. Heaver eventually broke the deadlock powering in from short range. On the stroke of half time number eight Williams found himself out in the back line to double the advantage at the break.

Having made some tactical changes at half time Melton soon increased their lead with Williams taking a short penalty from close in. Foreman then broke tackles in midfield to score under the posts. Melton continued to exert pressure by tightening up on their handling and from a loose Mellish clearance Betts gathered and streaked into the corner. Lyne was the final player on the scoresheet diving over from close range following a good handling move from both forwards and backs.

Eggleston was successful with three conversions.

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Rockett, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 17TH September 2006

Home to Derby

RESULT Melton 26 : Derby 0

Melton U15 had their first real test of the season this weekend with the visit of Derby.

The game was played at high pace in stamina sapping heat but with great control from both sides. Melton gradually started to exert pressure through the forwards and even though they were playing against the wind most of the game was played in the Derby half. Ward, Williams and Miller all played a major part in stifling the Derby play with Man of the Match Foreman putting in his usual trade mark tackles in midfield. Derby were reduced to fourteen players following an incident at a ruck just before Betts broke free from fullback to open the scoring.

The second half started well with Melton doubling their advantage with a smash and grab try from Foreman within 2 minutes of the restart. Melton were now well on top with Heaver and Badham covering relentlessly. Miller took the ball from a shortened lineout, the ball was driven to within a metre of the Derby line for Heaver to touch down. Shortly before the final whistle Williams scored following a quickly taken close range penalty to give Melton a well deserved victory.

Eggleston kicked 3 conversions. Final Score 26 : 0

Team : Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 10TH September 2006

Home to Leicester Belgrave

RESULT Melton 38 : Belgrave 0

Melton U15 kicked off their season this weekend entertaining Belgrave.

It was something of a disrupted affair with the visitors turning up short of players. During the first passage of play Melton's team structure was disrupted when fly-half McNally-Reilly suffered a broken collar bone and broken arm from some over zealous play.

Once the game got going there was little to chose between to sides. Melton enjoyed greater possession thanks to their superior forward play but Belgrave tackled and harried well. Midway through the half centre Foreman broke down the right hand side and streaked into the corner for the first score. Just before the break Heaver doubled the advantage finishing off a rampaging forward power play.

In the second half Melton's superior fitness and quality started to show and tries from Man of the Match Ward and second row partner Williams took the game beyond the visitors reach. Miller then touched down under the posts in typical bustling fashion. The try of the match came as Ward caught from a lineout 20 meters out drove up field picking up the opposition  winger en-route. The ball was quickly recycled and scrum half Norgate went over from a metre out. Eggleston kicked well and converted four from six.

Confident debuts came from Badham, Olson, Rockett, Towell and Wright and special thanks to Will Parry who volunteered to play for Belgrave for the whole match.

Team Badham, Betts, Douglas, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Rockett,  Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Towell, Ward, Williams, Wright.

MATCH REPORT COMPILED BY BARRY EGGLESTON

U15 COACH