An opening victory still eludes Melton Mowbray

Midlands One East
KIeran Stone in action for Melton. Photo: Tim Williams.KIeran Stone in action for Melton. Photo: Tim Williams.
KIeran Stone in action for Melton. Photo: Tim Williams.

Melton Mowbray 13

Towcestrians 29

Melton are still looking for their first Midlands One East League victory of the campaign as they went down against an experienced Towcestrians side, on Saturday.

The visitors had been relegated from Nthe ational League last season and kicked off as a well organised outfit who had played together for many games and immediately put Melton under pressure with a direct style.

Melton had to defend ferociously but this always takes its toll and the visitors opened the scoring through Matt Yull before a Green penalty reduced the deficit to 5-3.

This clearly spurred Towcestrians and a real blitz in midfield saw them run in three tries through Yull, Zac Osbourne and Gus Hopewell, and with two conversions they moved into a 24-3 lead.

To Melton’s credit, they did not collapse and the pack grew in stature Brookes Allan and Stone to the fore in set piece and rucks. Melton were rewarded for their endeavour with a Stone try and Green Conversion to offer a glimmer of hope for the second half turning around at 24-10.

The second half was much improved with some excellent rugby played by both teams

Gormley led from the front as ever being an inspirational leader everywhere on the pitch whilst Collins showed a great eye for a gap and pass.

Wooley on the wing was at his elusive best and Evans playing in an unfamiliar number 8 role stood up well to the demands of the role.

Green landed another penalty as Towcester showed their cynical side 20 minutes into the half before Yull hit the hosts on the break with a try to complete his hat-trick and wrap up the win.

Melton return to action with a trip to Wellingborough on Saturday, with the Northants side having split their opening two games.