Melton RFC U16s turn the tables on mighty Lutterworth

Facing one of the best sides in the county, Melton started the first half strongly with the forwards asserting their dominance at the breakdown and in the scrum, winning three straight scrums against the head.

This gave the backs chances to run at the visitors’ defensive line. And they broke through when Gunby, Smith, Heaney, Owens and Golland worked the ball neatly across the field and then back inside for Heaney to touch down out wide. Gunby duly converted.

Knight had an excellent debut at number eight, showing both strength and pace to twice penetrate deep into Lutterworth’s half.

Melton retained good possession as well as the 7-0 lead up to half-time despite having scrum-half Beesley sin-binned midway through for a tip-tackle.

Sommerville burst through two loose tackles on halfway and found himself in acres of space, stretching his long legs to beat the chasing defenders in a foot race to the line as the hosts opened a 12-0 lead.

Lutterworth decided their best tactic was the kick and chase as they struggled to break through Melton’s defensive line. And when one such kick was not dealt with properly, the visitors got off mark with an unconverted try.

This spurred on Lutterworth who began to show their pedigree, putting the hosts on the back foot for the first time in the game before drawing level with a converted try.

Green gathered loose ball yet again and drove Melton towards the Lutterworth 22 and forcing the visitors to halt their progress illegally.

Gunby split the posts with the resulting penalty to give Melton a well-earned win.

Melton: Thompson, Morgan, Green, J. Garnett, Foldys, Blythe, Sommerville, Goward, Boylan, W. Garnett, Knight, Beesley, Gunby, Smith, Heaney, Golland, Jakes, Owens.