League - 17th February 2007
Ashfield
Ashfield RFC 27 v 18 Mellish RFC

Mellish Line up: A Fretwell, Scott, Harris, Mason (c), Peat, Morley, Lewis, Justice, Cocking, McConnell, Wheldon, Crossley, Myers, Bratley, Walden (vc), Street, Hallam, Rowbottom
Tries: Crossley (3), Wheldon, Myers, Walden
Conversions: Mason (4)
Pens: Mason (4)


Mellish travelled to Ashfield with a depleted squad due to illness of several players. However, Phil Justice, Mark Peat & Matt Street all stepped up & played exceptionally.

With the weather conditions brilliant for rugby which would suit Mellish's attacking play & style. The toss was won & Mellish elected to play upfield first.

The game started brightly for Mellish with Mason, Justice, Fretwell & Woody making good runs through the forwards after a series of good rucks & mauls.

Ashfield couldn't cope with the preasure & gave away several penalties which were dually slotted between the the upright's by Mason who scored 4 shots to give Mellish a 12 – 0 lead.

After 20 mins Mellish let of the gas only for Ashfield to take the game to Mellish through their forward pack which Mellish had to defend for the rest of the half.

The second half was started in sloppy fashion when Mellish conceded a try through bad decision making by the forwards who got in the way of a clearance kick & the ball charged down the big Ashfield number 8 scored under the post.

Skipper Mason demanded a vast improvement which was dually met by the players who played some of the best rugby Mellish have produced so far this season.

With the score at 12 – 7 Mellish upped the tempo & demolished the home side upfront with some fierce driving & the backs started to produce some exhilarating lines of running & attacking play.

Paul Crossley scored a superb hat-trick, Kris Walden took a boot lace pass at full pace to score a wonderful try, James Wheldon darting run scored a try under the posts & Aaron Myers bull-dozing run lead to the sixth try.

Mason chipped in with 4 conversions for a total of 20 points from the boot to give Mellish a 50 – 7.The whole team played exceptionally well after a shaking last 15 mins in the first half & start of the first half. No other team in the league has gone to Ashfield & put so many points on them so the performance was a very good.

Standout players were all the backs after the second half performance especially Paul Crossley, in the forwards Matt Street impressed when he came on especially in the scrum plus Woody was outstanding throughout the game with his tackling & efficency at the break down.

Man of the match is a joint one this week with Paul Crossley & Woody both taking the award.

Mellish Man of the Match: Paul Crossley & Woody

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