League - 11th November 06
Park Lane, Southwell
Southwell RFC 17 v 33 Mellish RFC

Mellish Line up: Fretwell, Weatherall, Harris, Mason (c), Greathead, Williams, Gray, Lewis, Cocking, McConnell, Bexon, Crossley, Myers, Wheldon, Walden, Butcher, Boulter, Bratley
Tries: Williams, Lewis, McConnell, Bexon
Conversions: Mason (2)
Pens: Masons (3)


Mellish went into this hotly contested local derby in buoyant mood after 4 consecutive league wins, hoping to turnover Southwell & leap frog them in the league.

Once again a strong side was picked with Ryan Lewis returning to number 8 after missing the previous week's league victory over Amber Valley . Captain Dave Mason lost the toss & Mellish would start the game facing a strong wind.

From the kick-off Mellish showed Southwell their intent upfront by defending the opening rucks & mauls with venom. Southwell did start the game brightly & played in Mellish territory for a good 5 min period, however Mellish were not to be defeated and defended their territory strongly.

During that period Mellish gave away a penalty & the Southwell fly-half slotted the ball over for a 3 – 0 lead. The restart would see the first scrummage of the game with both Andy Fretwell & Sam Harris pumped up ready to show their opposite props their strength for the afternoon which resulted in a scrum against the head.

Mellish piled the pressure on Southwell for a period giving a penalty which skipper Dave Mason converted despite the strong wind.

Straight from the kick-off Mellish again drove upfield and camped in Southwell's 22 for a series of attacks, another penalty was successfully converted for a 6 – 3 Mellish lead. Once again from the restart Mellish drove upfield with both backs & forwards interlinking & attacking Southwell with some very good rugby.

A scrum was awarded 5 metres out after Matt Williams was held up over the try-line. The scrum was won & drove with big Welsh Ryan picking up at number 8 & going over for his 2nd try of the season. Mason added the conversion for a half-time lead of 13 – 3.


Mellish knew that the Redmen would come out all guns blazing & that is what happened with Southwell skipper Nick Dunsworth scoring under the posts which was converted with the score 13 – 10 in Mellish's favour.

The kick-off resulted in Wayne Gray being yellow-carded for punching meaning Mellish had to play the next 10 minutes with 14 men.

This spurred Mellish into upping the work rate to compensate with Matt Williams making a 60 yard break only to be tackled near the Southwell 22, good quick ball was won & Andy Fretwell knocked off two would tacklers and passed to Mason who aimed for the try-line only to be held-up.

The resulting 5 metre scrum was won & Matt Williams crashed over the line to score, the touchline conversion was narrowly missed by Mason.

With Woody back on the pitch Mellish began to dominate the game with Sean McConnell scoring a great individual try to make the score 23 – 10.

With only 20 mins left young Joe Bexon danced his way under the posts for a try after good driving work by the Mellish pack. The conversion added to the score line making it 30 – 10.

Southwell attempted go regain control with a good 5 minute spell with their outside centre darting in for a try under the posts which was converted for a 30 – 17 score line.

With 10 minutes left a penalty was awarded 40 yards out & skipper Mason opted for goal which was successfully converted to put Mellish out of sight & a final score line of 33 – 17. Who says 2nd rows can't kick...



This was by far Mellish's best performance of the season with the whole team performing well against a strong Southwell side. The standout players were once again Ryan Lewis & Sean McConnell.

Special praise has to go to the front row of Andy Fretwell, Alex Weatherall & Sam Harris who srummaged brilliantly all afternoon. The man of the match award has to go to Matt Williams for his faultless lineout jumping & his all round display especially his attacking instincts.

Mellish are next up against Ashby who are flying high in the league, All players need to prepare well for this game and not become too complacent over recent wins.

Mellish Man of the Match: Matt Williams.

For the Southwell match report click here

 

       
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