A Good Performance From An Injury Ravaged Squad

02.10.16
Mellish V Derby 28-7
1st Half
Mellish started by kicking off to Derby. We chased the kick hard and started to pressure Derby with good tackles, and as a result, despite Derby having possession from catching the kick off, they kept losing territory. The lad’s spritely start was then soon rewarded by an early try by our talisman, Oli S. The conversion was successfully kicked over by Jack. Whilst Derby seemed shell-shocked, Mellish took advantage and Tyrece soon ran through for another try straight after receiving the ball from the Derby kick off. This, again, was successfully converted by Jack. This initial success seemed to increase confidence and we piled on the pressure with very good line speed and tackles every time Derby were in possession of the ball. The 3rd try goes in by the corner flag, courtesy of our full back, T.J. which came from a set move from a scrum. The resulting difficult kick for the conversion was successfully kicked over by Jack (a truly great find this season). With Mellish having so much territory and possession, Derby’s defence is breached 1 more time resulting in try by Nick, and for the 4th time successfully converted again by Jack, before the half is up.
2nd Half
Derby started the half by kicking to Mellish. The catch is dropped and this gives Derby some much needed time in Mellish territory with possession of the ball. Derby seemed to have started this half a lot more aggressively (maybe as a result of a few choice words from their coach during the half time talk). They are then rewarded with a converted try early doors. Again, as in the first half, Derby spent most of the half pinned in their own half, but unlike in the first, their defence of their try line held firm. Derby had a few more forays into the Mellish 22, but the defence held strong, after the early breach in the 2nd half. The final whistle then concludes what was a very good game for Mellish.
Match report Alex Chinyemba.
Manager’s thoughts.
A great game of rugby played by two very honest teams. From a Mellish point of view it was excellent watching. All the aspects that we have been working on in training were on display. We are now getting a greater understanding of the game. We put in maximum effort whether we have the ball or our opponents are in possession. The communication is getting better with all the players now realising that when we talk to each other we are a better side. Some great tries form four separate players and Jack adding the conversions. One from the side line which capped off a great performance from the boot.

Man of the match - Nick Smith. A great game from the tough tackling flanker. Didn’t give the Derby players a moment’s peace and was always willing to chase down the ball carrier.
Try of the match- Tyrece Wright. Strong direct running breaking through the Derby defence and then shrugging off the attempt by the Derby full back.