MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 4th May 2008

Loughborough Sevens Tournament

Melton's final appearance of the season proved to be a success as they took the Loughborough festival by storm.

The first group match was against West Bridgford who took an early lead as Melton were slow to start. Once in full flow, tries from Norgate, Harris, McNally-Reilly, Lyne and Badham provided a winning scoreline of 35 - 7.

Melton then really opened up against one of the Loughborough sides. Four tries from Rennie, two each from McNally-Reilly and Lyne and a final score from Norgate saw them run out 59 - 0.

A similar scoreline was to follow against Stratton Forwards. A brace of tries from Rennie, Ward and Fielding with further scores from Eggleston, Williams, McNally-Reilly and Lyne completed the rout with Melton winning

62 - 0.

The final group match was against school side De Lisle who proved much tougher opposition. A score in each half from Scrum half Norgate laid a good platform for Melton who then got sucked into a more physical brawling game and lost some of their shape. De Lisle scored late in the game but Melton took the match 14 - 7.

The semi final saw Melton paired with Stratton Backs. McNally-Reilly, Norgate and Williams provided scores before half time with one in reply to provide a comfortable cushion. Melton then moved on with scores from Rennie, Norgate, and Badham to win 36 - 7.

The final saw a rematch with De Lisle with Melton knowing they had to stick to intelligent flowing rugby which they did. Eggleston bagged two early scores with one in reply before half time. Tries from McNally-Reilly and Rennie helped Melton stretch their lead only for De Lisle to respond with a score. A final try from Norgate was enough to keep the opposition at bay although they did score a consolation try on the final whistle. Melton won

27 - 17.

This was truly a great squad performance and a fitting end to a magnificent season.

Team : Badham, Eggleston, Fielding, Harris, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Norgate, Rennie, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 27th APRIL 2008

Syston Sevens Tournament

Melton opened up well in their first pool match against Oadby Wyggs. with a brace of tries each for Norgate, Rennie and Betts. Further tries from Foreman and Eggleston finished off an impressive 56:0 win.

The second game was a much tougher affair against old rivals Belgrave but Melton were up to the challenge scoring early tries through Rennie, Lyne and Eggleston. A second half try from nimble footed Roberts concluded the scoring to provide a final 26:0 scoreline.

The final pool match saw Lutterworth as the opposition. Melton fell behind to early tries and trailed by 22:5 at the break with just one try from Betts. The second half saw something of a fightback with scores from Betts and Eggleston but Melton went down 12:27.

Earlier results matched Melton with Hinckley in the first semi-final. A tight first half saw a try from Harris matched by Hinckley. The second half saw Melton take control with scores from Foreman, Lyne and Eggleston and win by 28:7.

The final saw a rematch with Lutterworth, the best two teams on the day.

Early exchanges went with Melton but although having both possession and territory could not find the final pass to create a score. In the second half Lutterworth scored two good tries and defended well to take the title by 14 points to Nil.

Team : Badham, Betts,Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Harris, Heaver, Lyne, Norgate, Rennie, Roberts, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 20th APRIL 2008

HOME - NEWARK

RESULT Melton 36 : Newark 14

Melton completed their regular season with a tough fixture against a very powerful Newark side. The home team scored as early as the second minute as Eggleston cut through the Newark defence to score under the posts. The visitors hit back after a number of missed tackles allowed the winger to break loose and score, the conversion bringing the score level. Melton then drove the ball up field for James Tinsley to dive through from close range for his first try for the club. Shortly before half time Newark were again allowed to run through the Melton defence unhindered to score close in, the conversion was successful and the score was all square at the break.

The second half saw a number of changes with Man of the Match Miller claiming an early score. Melton started to take control with tries from Olson, another debut try , and Vamplew. The final score went to Harris who along with Roberts drove hard into the heart of the Newark defence creating good possession for the back line to use. This was a successful end to a great season, the squad now move on to two sevens tournaments in the coming weeks.

Eggleston hit three conversions.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 13th APRIL 2008

County Cup Final  Vs  LUTTERWORTH

RESULT Melton 14 : Lutterworth 7

Melton arrived at this match in confident mood following a good build up in previous weeks. The early exchanges saw Melton take a strong grip on the game, pinning Lutterworth back and forcing errors which presented Eggleston the opportunity to slot two penalties for a 6 : 0 lead. Melton's line-out worked to perfection all day with Miller and Olson leaping high above their Lutterworth counterparts on their own throw in and stealing a large amount of possession on the opposition throw in. Lutterworth were stifled of possession, due to the organisation of the Melton defence, until just before half time when two lose tackles allowed the ball to be passed wide to their winger to score in the corner. The great touchline conversion gave Lutterworth a single point advantage at the break.

The second half opened with an early penalty from Eggleston and Melton were back in the lead. As the tension mounted Melton worked their way close to the opposition line for Roberts to drive low from a ruck and cross the line.

The remainder of the half seemed to last forever but playing with great maturity it was always going to be Melton's day. Although there were notable individual performances this was very much a team performance from forwards and backs alike. Great support came from the replacement bench who have played such a major part in the seasons success.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 6th APRIL 2008

AWAY - Leicester Vipers

RESULT Melton 74 : Vipers 0

Melton opened up with some flowing rugby and were soon into an early lead thanks to tries from McNally-Reilly, Lyne and Fielding. The Melton pack were outstanding providing quality ball to the backs at the right time and also driving forward when required. Further tries from Lyne and Norgate saw Melton into half time with a comfortable advantage.

Man of the Match Rennie, lead the line well from fly-half and bagged four second half tries through great support play. The remaining tries came from Badham, Ben Tinsley and Williams. Vipers competed through to the end of the game but came up against a Melton side on top form. Lyne succeeded with seven conversions. Melton now need to take this form into their County Cup Final this coming weekend.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 30th MARCH 2008

AWAY - Aylestone St James

RESULT Melton 52 : Aylestone St James 0

Melton produced a mixed performance having not played for the previous three weeks. Early tries from McNally-Reilly and Rennie, both from flowing back play, set the tone for the match but this was followed by a rather stale period where neither side could control play and a number of handling errors on both sides lead to numerous stoppages. Shortly before half time the ball was moved well to Foreman on the wing to show his pace to cut through the defence and score close in.

Melton put the game beyond doubt early in the second half with tries from Vamplew and Lyne. Man of the Match Starkey at scrum half played simple and effective rugby allowing the ball to be moved wide when needed. Following an injury to the Jimmies hooker, Melton loaned first Parry and later Tinsley to the opposition both of whom played well in the circumstances.

Towards the end of the match the hosts began to tire with Melton taking full advantage with Foreman crossing for a second score and Vamplew completing a hat-trick.

Eggleston completed six conversions.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 2nd MARCH 2008

HOME -Hinckley

RESULT Melton 14 : Hinckley 0

Melton produced a mixed performance against a sizable Hinckley outfit in a match dominated by a strong cross wind. The first half ended in stalemate with both sides looking to drive the ball through their forwards. Melton did manage to spin the ball wide on one occasion but the score was disallowed as the final pass went forward. Right on half time Hinckley drove over the line only to drop the ball as it was being grounded.

Playing with a slight wind advantage in the second half Melton pushed the visitors back into their 22 and started to exert pressure which Man of the Match Williams converted into the first score collecting the ball in the centre and stepping inside the fullback to score near the posts. Melton's second try owed much to the perseverance of winger Betts who chased a kick deep into Hinckley territory and benefited from a favourable bounce and some sloppy defending to secure the ball and score. Eggleston converted both scores. A good hard game played in a good spirit.

MATCH REPORT  -  IRELAND TOUR

SATURDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2008

AWAY - Cork Constitution & Douglas

Melton under 16's took off this week to Ireland for two fixtures arranged in the Cork area.

RESULT Melton 46 : Cork Con.0

The Saturday fixture saw them play Cork Constitution, one of the oldest established clubs in Ireland. It was clear from the outset that Melton had the upper hand in every area of play and first half tries from Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller and Foreman ensured that all players were able to play a good part in the game. A further score from Lyne followed by another from Eggleston effectively put the result beyond doubt. As the clock ticked down first Vamplew and then Norgate concluded the scoring. Eggleston kicked three conversions.

RESULT  Melton 26 :  Douglas 0

The Sunday fixture against Douglas proved a much different affair. This was a great advert for good, hard clean rugby. Melton took the lead as Norgate caught the Douglas defence napping with a blindside break from a centre field scrum. Douglas then came much more into the game with great driving play from their forwards but were unable to break through a stout Melton defence marshalled by Roberts, Harris and Vamplew. The second half saw Melton playing with the slope and looking to pin the home side back in their twenty-two. Well into the second half the ball was moved out to winger Betts who showed a clean pair of heels to the covering defenders. Hooker Harris went over from close range as did Ward on the stroke of full time. Eggleston kicked three conversions. Great credit must go to Douglas RFC who showed what is so unique about Irish hospitality.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 17th FEBRUARY 2008

AWAY - SYSTON

RESULT Melton 17 : Syston 10

Melton paid a visit to local rivals Syston this weekend and from their performance had their minds clearly set on their Tour to Ireland next week.

Melton started slowly and for the second week gave away an easy penalty which Syston duly converted to take the lead.

As the game progressed Melton started to assert some pressure allowing centre Williams some space to score out wide. Although Syston were playing aggressively in defence Man of the Match Harris was put through a gap to score under the posts. Eggleston converting.

Syston started brightly in the second half and were rewarded with a somewhat questionable try under the posts which was converted. Melton started to play the game in Syston territory and from a quickly taken penalty the ball was moved through numerous pairs of hands for centre Lyne to score in the corner. The remaining entertainment came from the referee who gave some decisions not seen on the rugby field for many years. Despite a late flourish from Syston, Melton held on to take the game.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 10th FEBRUARY 2008

HOME - OAKHAM (County Cup semi-final)

RESULT Melton 14 : Oakham 3

Melton (team picture above) booked their place in this seasons County Cup Final following an exciting contest with local rivals Oakham.

The visitors took the lead as early as the second minute as Melton gave away a penalty in front of their own posts. Both sides took time to settle in front of a large crowd but it was Melton who created the first try. Quick ball provided by the forwards was moved well along the line to put Foreman into space to cross in the corner. Oakham replied well playing the remainder of the half in Melton territory but unable to create a scoring opportunity.

The second half started in a similar vein with Oakham in the ascendancy but Melton proving why they are such a hard team to beat with great defence. As the game developed Melton gained more possession and pinned Oakham back with some fine kicking from flyhalf Eggleston. Deep into added time scrum half Norgate broke from the back of a ruck to sidestep the defence to score.

Eggleston converted both tries. This was a great advert for junior rugby played by two very determined and talented sides.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 27th JANUARY 2008

AWAY - BELGRAVE

RESULT Melton 31 : Belgrave 7

Melton were again working on reduced numbers this weekend but this did not stop them claiming a hard fought victory against an improving Belgrave side.

The visitors started well with early tries from the returning Badham and Roberts both coming from good forward support play. Dominant in both Scrum and Lineout, Melton had the major share of possession which they moved well although never being able to put their wingers into space. Melton increased their lead when Vamplew crashed over from short range. A lapse in concentration allowed Belgrave to take a interception on halfway and score under the posts. Shortly before half time scrum half Norgate scrambled in from close range.

The second period saw some dogged defence from the hosts who tacked well and set up some attacks of their own. Man of the match Williams played well in open play and took some great lineout ball. The final score went to wing Rennie. Eggleston hit three conversions.

Team : Badham, Eggleston, Fielding,  Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Rennie, Roberts, Starkey,  B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Williams, Ward

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 13th JANUARY 2007

AWAY - LEICESTER LIONS

RESULT Melton 70 : Leicester Lions 3

Melton continued their fine form with a twelve try demolition of Leicester Lions.

Having fallen behind to a penalty in the first minute Melton took total command of this match playing some of their best rugby of the season. Early tries from Norgate, Fielding, McNally-Reilly and Roberts set the tone with great interpassing from both forwards and backs. A quick brace of tries from Man of the Match Rennie, one from a great kick and chase, and one apiece from Roberts and Williams had Melton going into the break in complete control.

The second half continued in much the same vein with strong tackling from the back row of Williams, Olson and Miller. The try count continued to grow with Vamplew crashing over for a pair of tries and Eggleston finishing off with a couple of his own. Eggleston hit five conversions. Melton now need to build on this performance as the season develops.

Team : Eggleston, Fielding, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Olson, Parry, Pawley, Rennie, Roberts, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Williams, Ward.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 6th JANUARY 2007

AWAY - NUNEATON

RESULT Melton 17 : Nuneaton 6

Melton travelled to Nuneaton with a depleted squad due to illness and injury but still managed to come away with a well earned victory.

Playing with the breeze, Melton started strongly pinning Nuneaton back into their 22 and from a short penalty move Vamplew crashed over under the posts, Eggleston converting. Melton's driving game tested the host's to the limit and from short range McNally-Reilly doubled the advantage. The remainder of the half saw Melton dominant in both possession and territory but unable to breach a determined Nuneaton defence.

The second half saw a spirited response from the home side with an early penalty and a well taken drop goal. It was now the turn of Melton to defend which the did superbly. Late into the game the ball was moved wide for Man of the Match Roberts to collect and show a clean pair of heals to the opposition and run in from 35 metres.

A well contested match between two evenly matched sides.

Team : Badham, Eggleston, Fielding, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Norgate, Pawley, Rennie, Roberts, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Williams, Ward.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 16th December 2007

AWAY - SLEAFORD

RESULT Melton 45 : Sleaford 0

Melton ended the year on a high with a good all round team performance.

Melton took an early lead when the ball moved along the backs for Lyne to cut through in midfield and score under the posts.

McNally-Reilly attacking well from full back, bagged a brace of tries as the visitors took control. Lyne completed the first half scoring with another well worked try.

The second half continued in the same vein with the Melton forwards providing a great platform for the backs to run from all over the pitch. An early score from Williams was backed up by another from Rennie. Due to a number of small injuries Melton had to switch players to unfamiliar positions but this proved no obstacle as Badham completed the scoring.

Eggleston kicked five conversions. The team now look forward to a well earned two week break.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 2nd December 2007

HOME - MARKET BOSWORTH

RESULT Melton 20 : Market Bosworth 0

This was a well fought match between two evenly matched sides. Melton started well in appalling conditions putting pressure on the Bosworth defence but poor handling combined with a slippery ball lead to a number of unforced errors from both sides.

Half way through the first period Ben Tinsley found some space on the right to drive over the line for a debut try which was shortly followed by an orthodox drive for the line by Vamplew. Man of the Match Starkey was now distributing well from the base of the scrum and Melton were starting to take control of possession which they turned into points with another score, this time a flowing move completed by Lyne.

The second half proved to be a stalemate with Melton playing good rugby but the Bosworth side tackling manfully. Driving from Ward and Vamplew backed up by great support play from Badham, Williams and Heaver kept the pressure on the visitors and the final try came for Melton on the stoke of full time courtesy of Ward.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 25th November 2007

HOME - DERBY

RESULT Melton 19 : Derby 0

This fixture proved to be a great contest between two evenly matched sides.

Derby are clearly a well drilled side who edged the early encounters turning over a number of balls which Melton failed to secure in close contact on the ground. Although there were odd sparks of good play, defences took the upper hand and the game remained scoreless at the break.

Melton looked to get their driving game going in the second period particularly through Ward and Vamplew and from a close range maul Man of the Match Harris drove over wide on the left.

Shortly after, Betts took a pass wide on the right, cut in from twenty metres out and drove over to score. Derby were still looking dangerous and were now looking to open up from long range and it was from one of these attempts that Foreman collected an interception weaved through a number of defenders to score near the posts. Eggleston converted two in a hard fought victory.

Team : Badham, Betts, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Harris, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Norgate, Parry, Pawley, Rennie, Roberts, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 18th November 2007

AWAY to LOUGHBOROUGH

RESULT Loughborough 0 : Melton 12

Melton took on local rivals Loughborough for the second time in two weeks in wet and windy conditions. Melton had the better of the early exchanges driving into opposition territory on numerous occasions but unable to make the final breakthrough. Against a strong wind Melton controlled the ball well allowing Loughborough very little in the way of possession. Although there was a huge effort from both sides there was no score at the break.

The second half started well for the visitors and from scrappy lineout ball the forwards drove up field for Vamplew to cross for the opening score.

This was the boost Melton needed with forwards and backs combining well throughout the half. Hooker Harris gave a strong performance in both lineout and scrum with Badham and Miller going forward well from the back row.

Man of the Match Vamplew crashed over for a second and decisive try which Eggleston converted.

Team : Badham, Eggleston, Fielding, Foreman, Harris, Heaver, Lyne, McNally-Reilly, Miller, Parry, Rennie, Roberts, Starkey, B Tinsley, J Tinsley, Vamplew, Ward, Williams.

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 11th November 2007

HOME to LUTTERWORTH

RESULT Melton 33 : Lutterworth 0

Melton came away with a good result in this match although the overall performance was a patchy one. Due to County call ups both sides were short of influential players but is was Melton who struck early with a slick blind side move seeing Eggleston go over unopposed. The rest of the half remained scoreless with Lutterworth's forwards turning over Melton possession on a number of occasions. The second period again started well for Melton with Betts scoring on his return to the side following a long layoff through injury. Eggleston increased the lead with another well taken score.

Replacement Rennie made a good impact to the game with safe hands and quick feet and was repaid with a nice try. The final quarter saw Melton play a more up tempo game with good interpassing through forwards and backs. Just before the final whistle Man of the Match Eggleston scythed through a gap to complete his own hat trick. Eggleston hit four conversions.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 28th October 2007

HOME to SYSTON

RESULT Melton 54 : Syston 0

Melton played with a strong wind behind them in the first half of this match and were soon rewarded with a long range try from Foreman closely followed by another sniping shorter range effort from scrum half Norgate.

The game then lost some of its shape with ball not going to hand for either side and defences on top. Man of the Match Norgate worked tirelessly at the base of the scrum. Shortly before half time first Eggleston and then Vamplew doubled the home advantage.

Playing against the wind in the second half Melton employed different tactics looking to run from all areas which paid handsomely. McNally-Reilly scored from a great move and then Rennie ran in a brace with top quality support play. The scoring was rounded off with a solo effort from winger Foremen.Eggleston hit seven conversions.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 21st October 2007

HOME to BELGRAVE

RESULT Melton 52 : Belgrave 0

Playing conditions were ideal for this latest encounter between two old rivals.

The first quarter was close with neither side able to take any great control of the game. It was Melton who broke the deadlock with a typical close range drive from Vamplew closely followed by a nice little solo dart in from scrum half Norgate. The home side finished the half strongly with a classy score in the corner by centre Lyne. Eggleston kicked two of the conversions.

Although the Belgrave players stuck to their task well the floodgates opened in the second half with a further score from Vamplew and a brace of tries for both Foreman and Williams. Lyne kicked four conversions. Man of the Match Parry came off the bench at half time and provided the impact that the coaching team required.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 14th October 2007

AWAY to NUNEATON

RESULT Melton 10 : Nuneaton 8

Melton started slowly in this rearranged fixture allowing Nuneaton to spread the ball wide with their first attack and score in the corner.

As the game unfolded Melton started to gain a greater amount of possession and from a smart lineout move scored through Number 8 Miller. Melton lost Eggleston midway through the half which allowed Starkey to provide a calm influence at fly half leading the line with great maturity. Although there were more opportunities the scores remained all square at the break.

The visitors started the second half with a bang feeding Foreman on the wing to speed over in the corner. Due to County call ups Melton were down on numbers but showed great character with Man of the Match Olson filling in at second row. Nuneaton managed a well taken drop goal but Melton ran out worthy winners 10 : 8. A great all round team performance.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 7th October 2007

AWAY to SYSTON (County Cup Competition)

RESULT Melton 41 : Syston 0

Melton progressed to the second round of the County Cup at the expense of a spirited Syston side. The visiting side started strongly with running rugby on offer which brought long range tries for Foreman and McNally-Reilly.

Melton were then their own worst enemies incurring the wrath of the referee for technical indiscipline. A further debut score for Harris sent Melton into the break with a comfortable lead.

The second half continued in the same vein with early scores from second row partners Ward and Vamplew. Melton were now in total control and tries from Man of the Match Badham and a second for Foreman completed the scoring.

Eggleston was successful with three conversions.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 30th September 2007

HOME to COALVILLE

RESULT Melton 22 : Coalville 7

Melton took to the field with a tough encounter in prospect and were quickly on the offensive. The forwards dominated the early exchanges allowing Heaver to cross from short range, Eggleston converting. The home side took control and from a Coalville infringement Eggleston stroked over the resulting penalty. The rest of the half remained scoreless with the visitors coming more into the game but struggling to gain any quality possession due the ferocity of the Melton forward play where the front row of Ben Tinsley, Harris and Roberts were outstanding.

Coalville collected the kick off for the second period and promptly spread the ball wide to the wing where they made good progress and quick interpassing lead to a quality score which was converted.

This pushed Melton to another level with Heaver scoring again from close range to calm some frayed nerves. Eggleston continued to control the game from outside half pushing Coalville back towards their own line. Finally, with just minutes remaining Melton scored their final try through Roberts, converted by Eggleston.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 16th September 2007

HOME to AYLESTONE ST JAMES

RESULT Melton 27 : Aylestone St James 0

Melton put in a much better performance this weekend which provided a comfortable win.

Playing into a strong wind Melton drove the ball up well in both forwards and backs putting pressure on the Jimmies defence. A good hooking performance from new recruit Harris ensured Melton had more than their share of possession which the backs used wisely. Finally in the latter period of the half, tries from Vamplew and Norgate confirmed the home sides dominance.

An early try from Miller at the start of the second half effectively put the result beyond doubt although the visitors remained competitive throughout.

Man of the match Badham covered all quarters from back row and Ward lead the side well from lock. Further tries from Miller and Vamplew secured the win with Lyne hitting one conversion.

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

MATCH REPORT

SUNDAY 9th September 2007

AWAY to OADBY WYGGS

RESULT Melton 7 : Oadby Wyggs 8

Melton started this seasons campaign losing a closely fought encounter at Oadby. Melton started slowly allowing the hosts to get on the front foot early in the game putting pressure on in all phases. Oadby took the lead with a well struck penalty which was closely followed by an unconverted try.

This took the home side into the break with an narrow lead.

The second half saw a marked improvement in the Melton play with better ball retention and generally quicker play. Melton mounted a good move down the left flank which was rounded off with a Vamplew drive. Eggleston added the conversion. With minutes remaining Melton drove over the line only to be denied by the official. Melton narrowly losing 8 : 7.

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