Melton lapses allow Loughborough to hit back

A rugby reunion is planned at Chi College

Melton took control after an even start with Meakin breaking out of defence and setting up a good ruck. The forwards then provided good clean ball for Hatfield to make a break and score from 50 metres.

Clemmons converted to give Melton a 7-0 lead.

Melton’s second try came down the opposite flank when Forfar and Evans sent Barton away to make it 12-0, and at this point the visitors were well on top.

But they relaxed and Loughborough came back and scored two good tries of their own.

Melton struck back when McGee claimed a good forwards try and Clemmons converted to nudge Melton back in front at 19-12 at half-time.

Immediately after the restart, the visitors seemed to lose their shape, falling off tackles and allowing Loughborough to hit back and score three tries to take them into a 29-19 lead.

Then came the best try of the match. Following good ball from the forwards, Blagburn hit Clemmons’ delayed pass at real pace before swerving and sidestepping his way under the posts. Clemmons added the extras to reduce the deficit to 29-26.

But Melton could not get themselves back into an attacking position and their opponents got the final score to make it 36-26 at the whistle.

One of the most encouraging points to come out of the game was the emergence of younger players who have returned to play at the club and are beginning to enjoy themselves.

Melton: Sims, Webster, Jeremiah, Meakin, Broughton, Chambers, McGee, Evans, Haywood, Clemmons, Hatfield, Barton, Hatherley, Forfar, Chambers, Pauley, Bowles, Greaves, Bond, Blagburn, Rudkin.