League - 6th January 2007
Amber Valley
Amber Valley RFC 16 v 5 Mellish RFC

Mellish Line up: Fretwell, Scott, Butcher, Mason (c), Greathead, Boulter, Williams, Lewis, Cocking, McConnell, Bexon, Crossley, Linney, Revill, Walden (vc), Street, Bratley
Tries: Crossley
Conversions:
Pens:


Mellish opened the New Year with an away game versus Amber Valley which judging from the home fixture would prove to be a very difficult away game. Mellish selected a strong team despite the un-availability of Aaron Myers, James Wheldon & Phil ‘Fossil’ Justice.

Skipper Dave Mason won the toss and elected to play upfield. From the kick-off Mellish started brightly & surged forward at every opportunity through the forward pack & through the backs mainly Sean McConnell & Paul Linney.

The game detoriated into a battle in the middle of the park with packs fighting for superiority.

The pitch didn’t help matters with much of the surface caked in thick mud. With play evenly balanced Mellish upped a gear with some surging runs deep into Valley territory mainly through good drives from Daz ‘Youth’ Boulter & Matt Williams. Valley gave away a penalty only for Mason drilled the resulting kick straight across the face of the goal.

Mellish continued to apply pressure which resulted in Paul Crossley kicking through the ball and scoring 20 yards outside the posts, Mason missing the conversion by inches. Mellish went into half-time 5 – 0 up & looking quite comfortable in the boggy conditions.


The second half was a turning point for the home side who upped their game & scored quickly 10 mins into the half with the conversion missed the game was locked at 5 – 5 a piece.

With play once again being played in the middle of the boggy park, it was Amber Valley who took the imitative with 2 well taking penalties to lead 11 – 5. With Mellish probing for another score to get back into the game, Valley broke & scored in the corner with the conversion missed, Valley led 16 – 5.

The final 10 minutes Mellish took the game to Valley & were awarded several penalties in the Valley 22, the resulting scrums were both dragged down by Valley which should have resulted in a penalty try but this occasion Mellish were to be denied. In the end Valley triumphed 16 – 5 to their credit, Valley adapted themselves to the boggy conditions better then Mellish did & were deserved winners.

Mellish can take heart from the fact that Valley are un-beating at home all season & for the fact that the whole side put in a huge defensive display & determined performance. Skipper Mason hopes his side bounce back to winning ways next weekend away at Kesteven, what should be an entertaining game.

Standout players this week were Matt Williams & Daz ‘Youth’ Boulter who were solid on the backrow and Sean McConnell & Paul Crossley having solid games.

But Man of the Match award goes to Paul Linney who’s probing runs & solid defence caused Valley problems all afternoon.

A special mention needs to go to young Matt Street who has been excellent for the 2nd team all season & made his debut for the 1st team at prop & scrummaged solid for his 20 mins of play.

Mellish Man of the Match: Paul Linney.

Designed and Built by Sports Web Designs