Melton RFC Colts tame Vipers to reach County Cup semis

Looking for a repeat of their victory in the previous encounter, Melton were for once able to field a full squad with ample reserves on the bench.

The visitors started strongly, putting Vipers under serious pressure with W. Garnett’s great run and chip through culminating in a Melton scrum.

Dixon picked up and passed to Beesley who crossed the line for a try, converted by Brooks.

Vipers rallied strongly and attacked the Melton line, but the defence held and eventually won the ball and kicked clear, with Gumby and Johnson to the fore all afternoon.

Darlington and Jakes added further first-half tries, one converted by Brooks, as Melton built a 19-0 half-time lead.

Melton began the second half as strongly as the first. A lovely quick passing move ended with Cank playing a dummy which opened up the Vipers defensive line, allowing him to use the gap to score under the posts. This was again converted (26-0).

The visitors received a yellow card for a minor infringement and while they were down to 14, Vipers registered their first try.

After a fracas on the pitch Melton were reduced to 14 following a red card, but Jakes scored his second try to stretch the lead to 31-5.

Vipers gained a late consolation try and conversion, but Melton marched on.

Melton: Webster, Bateman, Thompson, Hughes, Foldys, Darlington, Green, Dixon, Beesley, Cank, Gumby, Stevenson, Brooks, W. Garnett, Johnson, Knight, Jordon, Barradell, Serio, Jakes, J. Garnett, Sommerville.