Melton RFC Vets’ County Cup preparations undone by youth
MELTON RFC VETS 17 OADBY WYGGS SECOND XV 31
MELTON warmed up for their forthcoming county cup tie with a friendly against youthful, lightweight opponents who ran the ball from anywhere and everywhere.
The hosts trailed 7-0 within minutes and Oadby increased their tally when Melton kicked possession away to their full-back who whizzed it straight back for an unconverted score.
This shook Melton into action and collectively they kept the ball tight, mainly using the scrum and lineout to get back into the game. Ben Shouler was denied a score, as was Darren Farrish, before the pack drove scrum ball forward, allowing number eight Eddie Raine to pick up and dive over for a 12-5 half-time scoreline.
As Melton’s tactics began to pay off, Wyggs were pressured into mistakes. A quick penalty saw Tony Middleton and Paul Blagburn gallop 30 metres down field before good work at the ruck by Alan Wade and Paul Moore provided quick ball for Farrish whose show and go took him under the posts. Fraser Gifford’s conversion levelled the scores.
Melton made changes to allow everyone game time, but the roll-on, roll-off format does not suit the older players, and this disruption allowed Wyggs to nudge further ahead with two soft tries to lead 24-12.
Strong running from Tony Berry, Paul Wade and Pete Broughton set up a great position for quick ball, and Richard Carlick’s break sent Raine into space. Raine’s unselfish pass allowed Aled Williams to scurry over for a fine try out wide.
But Wyggs’ pace and youth had the last word as stray kicks and dithering put the hosts on the back foot again.
Some good points, but Melton have other areas to work on ahead of Saturday’s cup match at home to Anstey, kick-off 2pm. All support welcome.
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Weather for Melton
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west

