Melton Hockey: Fourth XI put up good fight at Rugby

The visitors started well, holding their own against an aggressive Rugby attack, but Sam Harris still had to make several sharp saves.

Eventually the pressure told and an unmarked Rugby forward opened the scoring.

Melton continued to make headway with Buttery and Hickman posing problems up front for the Rugby defence.

However, the hosts were always dangerous on the break and they pounced to increase their lead before half-time.

Melton regrouped at the break and stunned Rugby with the goal of the match soon after the restart.

A mazy run by Hickman released Buttery whose pass found Shelton in the D. His sharp turn and a crisp strike into the corner was reward for Melton’s efforts.

The hosts continued to have the run of the ball and a cruel deflection wrong-footed the Melton defence to restore their two-goal lead.

Rugby were then awarded a penalty flick for a foot on the line, but Harris pulled off an excellent save.

With the visitors tiring, Rugby sealed the game with a fourth goal to give them what they admitted was a flattering scoreline.

Melton: S. Harris, Joe Harris, Justin Harris, O. Nash, G. Weatherdon, J. Fowkes, A. Pedlar, TL. Hyne, H. Snow, N. Shelton, M. Hickman, N. Buttery.