MELTON RFC SECOND XV 79 LEICESTER FOREST EAST 3

Coming in on the back of two straight wins, Melton looked strong from kick-off and dominated, controlling all elements of the game.

Melton's pack proved too strong for LFE as the hosts won every scrum until they hung back to use the game to practice defence.

Melton's backs also looked strong and started to dominate once Tom Kempin kept hold of the ball.

The most enjoyable part of the game for all who played and watched was Ben Warwick's impressive break, running clear of the defence before placing the ball for the try, but doing so on the five metre line and the crowds cheers turned to laughter.

Melton ran away with the game, but LFE never gave up and stopped the rampaging Melton reaching the line a few times.

The tackle of the game came from the LFE full-back who cut down a charging Rich Meakin just before the try line.

Melton's try scorers were Monty, Matt Brooks, Rich Meakin (2), Adam Chambers, Wayne Greaves, Duncan Lennox, Matt Cox (2), Ben Warwick, Tom Kempin (2), Dave Osborne (2) and Lewis Jones.

Melton begin their Merit League campaign at Market Bosworth on Saturday.

KEYWORTH SECOND XV 24 MELTON RFC NOMADS 22
NOMADS travelled to Keyworth with a strong squad of 20 and boosted by a full compliment of specialist backs.

A frantic first 20 minutes saw committed defence at both ends, but the hosts eventually scored an unconverted try out wide. But Nomads responded positively.

The pack won plenty of ball from set pieces. The front row of Hazard, Chirico and Cleathero, with locks Pawley and Watts, kept the ball tight, while number eight Taylor with flankers Lobley and Haines won several turnovers.

The pack showed their character with a 30-yard driving maul following an excellent lineout, but an interception saw Keyworth's hooker run in their second try from his own 22.

More pressure from Melton's pack led to a penalty for collapsing a maul which full-back Horne slotted. Centres Lapworth and Sanderson ran and passed well and released wingers Christian and debutant Harris, but they were frustrated by excellent defence.

Just before half-time a move started by scrum-half S. O'Brien ended with a try for fly-half Peters, converted by Horne to trail just 12-10 at half-time.

Nomads brought on McCarthy, Leah and Marman in the pack and D. O'Brien and Crowe in the backs. The second half was also finely balanced as both sides traded tries, Melton's coming after a scrum in the Keyworth 22, the ball moved down the line and Horne touching down.

An injury to Keyworth's hooker brought uncontested scrums and the removal of Melton's key weapon.

Five minutes from time a further converted Nomads try put them ahead, but it was cancelled out by a try in the corner. With three minutes left immense pressure forced another penalty, but the unfortunate Horne put it just wide with the last kick.

Next week Nomads host Lutterworth in their Merit League opener.

Nomads: Hazard, Chirico, Cleathero, Watts, Pawley (c), Lobley, Taylor, Haines, S. O'Brien, Peters, Christian, Lapworth, Sanderson, Harris, Horne, D. O'Brien, Leah, Crowe, Marman, McCarthy.