Melton RFC First XV slip to narrow defeat before RFU halts season

The result left Melton second-from-bottom in Midlands Two East (South) with the rest of the season now in the balance after the RFU’s decision to suspend all rugby activity until at least April 14.

Melton have four games outstanding, with trips to leaders Leicester Forest and Long Buckby either side of home matches with top-four sides Leighton Buzzard and Market Bosworth.

The reverse league fixture had ended in a narrow defeat earlier in the season, and a close game was expected.

It started badly for the hosts when Harry Ely was injured in the warm-up, and having bravely started, soon had to be replaced by head coach Mike Holford for the rest of the match.

Melton conceded a string of penalties in the first 20 minutes which ultimately led to a yellow card for persistent infringements, while the resulting penalty was converted to give Bugbrooke an early lead.

Melton quickly conceded a soft try when the defence was caught out by an astute chip kick over the onrushing backs, and good support play saw a try under the posts which was duly converted for a 10-0 lead.

Needing a response, the home side put together a fine series of attacks down the slope, with Leon Gormley and Ian Dennison prominent in every phase.

Bugbrooke gave away several penalties in the process and Chris Rose stroked one over to reduce the deficit before sending another narrowly wide shortly afterwards.

It was then the turn of the visitors to get on the wrong side of the referee as the Bugbrooke prop was sent to the sin bin.

Melton opted for a lineout and the resulting catch and drive was well organised by Jack Forfar and exploited the extra man.

Gavin Prior was credited with the score from the maul to close the gap to 10-8 at half-time.

Bugbrooke started the second half with more energy, and from a scrum the backs swiftly stretched the home defence.

The Bugbrooke winger just beat the cover tackle of Franco to get over in the corner.

It was quickly followed by some daft backchat to the referee by Luke Pawley, and Melton were fortunate when the penalty drifted just wide.

There are times when a rush of blood to the head has cost Melton this season and some overambitious play saw a telegraphed pass picked off for an easy interception try.

Melton duly picked up the pace as they chased the game and Franco was hauled down just short of the line after Karl McGee’s searing break.

Bugbrooke had no answer to some powerful mauls close to the line, and eventually Pawley was driven over the line for a well-deserved team try.

The hosts had to be at their sharpest as Bugbrooke launched several waves of attacks, and their winger was unlucky when he dropped the ball over the line.

A quick drop-out saw Will Garnett use his pace from full-back to leave defenders trailing in his wake.

He was tackled just short of the line, but that was the final flourish of a close game, with Melton left to rue the basic mistakes they made at times.