Melton RFC U12s end Stamford trip on high note

Melton RFC Under 12s proudly display their shirts sponsored by HB Shoes, Topps Tiles and John Smiths Pine EMN-160126-115254002

STAMFORD A 25 MELTON 10

In a good physical contest, Stamford’s first team produced the first score in the corner after Melton rustiness brought a few half-hearted tackles.

But Dorsett’s quick thinking and throw-in then fed the alert Cropper who spun the ball out to the supporting Attewell. With a clever side-step Attewell dived inside to score his first try for the club and delight the travelling support.

Hardman’s big kick was met with a speedy chase and tackle from Dorsett who retrieved possession in a good area. The forwards applied pressure, with Ford rucking to good effect, and a slick passing move involving Neath and D’Oliviera put Dorsett clear on the wing to score.

As Melton tired towards the end of an attritional first half, two missed tackles allowed Stamford to level the scores.

That score seemed to buoy the home side after half-time, and despite strong defence from Sharpe, Thorpe and Hardman, who matched Stamford’s physicality, the pressure told and a weary Melton went down 5-2 to their slick and impressive hosts.

STAMFORD B 10 MELTON 50

Rejuvenated Melton dominated Stamford’s second team and within a minute, Neath’s great run and pass allowed Cropper to feed Hardman who drove through for a well-deserved try.

Three poor missed tackles allowed Stamford to level, but from broken play in midfield, Dickson pounced on the loose ball and danced through the defence to re-gain the lead.

Another Stamford break and another static, flat defensive line allowed the hosts to level again.

Roused and frustrated, Melton then showed their real quality. Hardman brilliantly took a loose kick and returned it 20 yards before popping a juicy pass to Cropper who beat one defender to score.

Walpole’s clever pass out wide found Cropper who waited for the overlapping Mitchell to turn on the pace for an incredible 40-yard scoring run.

Attewell then burst through three tacklers in midfield to score under posts before Philbin showed great speed and determination to burst through the Stamford defence and score his first Melton try.

Cropper and Dorsett scored again as Melton turned the screw before Hardman bulldozed another. The fleet-footed Jeal, switched from scrum-half to the wing, showed a clean pair of heels to fly in for Melton’s 10th try.

Melton: F. Dorsett, A. Cropper, R. Attewell, D. Hardman, C. Ford, J. Neath, I. D’Oliviera, S. Sharp, S. Thorpe, G. Philibin, J. Walpole, T. Mitchell, S. Jeal.