Under 16s edged out '¨by late Nuneaton rally

Melton RFC Under 8s pictured in their new warm-up tops sponsored by local business NSC Heating Solutions EMN-160216-181105002

Kicking off in good conditions, both teams looked evenly-matched, and the first breakthrough came after seven minutes when Gunby touched down in the corner after Melton had won the scrum and shipped the ball out wide.

Nuneaton levelled after 11 minutes following several well-worked phases and took the lead soon after with a converted try which came from a strong run through the centre from halfway.

Thompson followed up with a try after a glorious run down the line, set up by an advancing maul.

Melton RFC Under 7s hold a fun home nations tournament EMN-160216-181054002

But with handling errors creeping into Melton’s game, Nuneaton added another try and penalty kick just before half-time to lead 20-10.

The second half started positively for Melton with a try on the wing from W. Garnett, but just five minutes later two missed tackles allowed Nuneaton space to run in their fourth try.

The hosts come under sustained pressure and Nuneaton got their reward with another try after 50 minutes.

Then came two superbly worked tries from Sommerville, the first after good ripping work from Foldys, converted by Gunby, and the second after Melton shipped the ball out wide and Sommerville took Gunby’s pass to run in.

But Nuneaton moved back in front and secured the win with a penalty, awarded for hands in the ruck, and a final converted try in the 65th minute.

Melton: P. Blyth, J. Dixon, T. Golland, J. Garnett, W. Garnett, I. Thompson (c), W. Foldys, K. Gunby, J. Sommerville, O. Jakes, H. Goward, A. Smith, J. Owens, C. Boylan, W. Loveday, S. Thorpe, O. Ploughman, S. Conboy, G. Serio, S. Legg.

* Melton RFC’s Under 7s squad took advantage of a well-earned break in the fixture schedule to hold a mini Six Nations tournament at Burton Road. Despite a bitterly cold morning, the turnout was good with all the home nations represented by children with the appropriate English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh genes.

Four teams played – Italy, France, Ireland and Wales – and the most surprising result of the day was Italy’s 7-3 defeat of Wales.

With all that Test Match experience, the squad is ready for this weekend’s fixture at home to Loughborough.