Important first win for the 1s

Three games into the season Matlock have not yet really hit the kind of form they would have been hoping for. Whilst player availability from the wider squad has been one contributory factor, early season injuries have simply exacerbated the situation. As a result Matlock welcomed league newcomers Mellish to Cromford Meadows with both sides still seeking their first win of the campaign.
With front rowers Kyle Smith and Lewis Richardson both away, Tom Wright started at loose head alongside John Statham and Conor Loughnane with young prop Adam Harris again on the bench. The rest of the scrum was unchanged from the previous week whilst behind the scrum Harry Boyd and James Fairclough made welcome returns.
From the kick off Matlock began strongly putting the visitors under some early pressure and after Tom Cruttenden burst through the Mellish defensive line the visitors were penalised for offending at the ruck gifting James Fairclough with a simple penalty kick to open the scoring, 3-0 with three minutes gone. Matlock continued to have the upper hand and moments later increased their lead with the opening try of the game. Mellish had cleared to touch giving Matlock the opportunity for a catch and drive which was well executed with John Statham breaking from the maul before the ball was recycled for Sam Ball to put Jak Cooper over in the corner, 8-0. Further good scoring opportunities were then squandered before Mellish pulled themselves back into the game from a quick tap penalty following two consecutive penalties for high tackles, 8-7. This score seemed to inspire the visitors whilst the home side continued to hurt themselves giving away too many penalties often at crucial moments. Matlock were on the attack again but the Mellish fly half intercepted the pass and knowing he hadn’t the pace to go all the way he put in a clever cross kick enabling his winger to win the race to touchdown out wide, 8-12. With only themselves to blame Matlock began to play and with a try out wide looking a certainty they were penalised for crossing and another chance was wasted. Eventually they managed to get their act together and after a driving maul took play to within 5 metres of the line Tom Cruttenden came out with the ball and bashed his way over the line for a crucial score. The conversion attempt was off target but at half time Matlock led 13-12.
In the second half Matlock again took charge of the opening exchanges and after a period where neither side seemed capable of breaking each other down the home side increased their lead. Sam Ball made a fine break but was pulled down by a high tackle. An attacking lineout ensued with Cruttenden again making good ground before feeding Conor Loughnane who crossed over for the score. Fairclough added the extras for a 20-12 lead. Mellish stayed in the game with their young fly half conducting the proceedings and guiding them closer and closer to the Matlock line before James Harrod was shown a yellow for another tackle judged to be above the sternum as per the new tackle height law. Mellish capitalised on their numerical advantage to force their way over from close range, 20-17. This was closely followed by another penalty in their favour bringing the scores level 20-20. Matlock managed to hold out until equal numbers were restored before they stretched the visitors defence and created room for Marcus Bolam to cross for a vital score in the corner, 25-20. Mellish would not lie down and after Tom Cruttenden was shown a yellow card, for another adjudged high tackle, Matlock’s fourteen men managed to hold out and defend their line against the visitors attempted onslaught until the final whistle brought a huge sigh of relief at securing the first victory of the season.
This was far from pretty and we can certainly play better but the win brings a vital 5 points. Congratulations to Rory Cookman on his 100th game. Next week sees Matlock travel to play Walsall who sit third in the league having won their last two games.
Team: T Wright, J Statham, C Loughnane, J Harrod, M Allen, G Adlington, T Cruttenden, S Wright, M Thornley, S Ball, J Cooper, H Morton, H Boyd, M Bolam, J Fairclough
Bench: A Harris, R Cookman, C Tallis