Saturday 20 November 2010
Dorset & Wilts Division 3 North
The answer’s Academic
Melksham 3rd XV 0 pts – Minety 2nd XV 32 pts
Strengthened once again by young recruits from the Academy XV, Minety seconds dominated this game from start to finish.
Minety put Melksham under pressure from the kick-off. An early penalty goal attempt bounced off one of the uprights, but when the home team attempted to clear their lines, the visitors gathered the ball and ran it straight back. Having tackled the ball carrier into touch just short of the line, Melksham had the throw-in to the subsequent five metre lineout, but Minety skipper Steve Murray stole the ball and powered over for a try, aided by his pack.
The visitors were soon on the attack again. Number 8 Will King shrugged off numerous tackles to weave his way in from 30 metres and flyhalf Andy Edwards added the conversion.
Getting into his stride, the prolific Edwards then slotted a penalty goal, ran in a try under the posts and finished the half by slotting the conversion to make it 0-22 to Minety at the break.
Melksham put in their best performance in the third quarter, locking the visitors into their own half for 20 minutes. Minety tackled resolutely and weathered the storm without conceding any points, eventually turning the tables and driving their hosts back towards their own line. At this point, the Melksham number 8 showed his frustration and was yellow carded by the referee.
A piercing run by Edwards took him almost to the line before he was brought down. But he placed the ball back, allowing Murray to scoop it up and pound in for a second try from his usual distance.
Having missed out on the try, Edwards made no mistake with the conversion and when his pack made a final drive into the 22, he was ready waiting in the pocket. Striking the ball sweetly, he posted a drop goal to cap an excellent team performance with a fine individual flourish.
Skipper Steve Murray was delighted with his side and particularly praised the contribution of the Minety Academy players: “Ashley Windle and Jon Sheppard played as our two flankers and both made terrific contributions. Will King had his first run out at number 8 and was our Man of the Match while Sam Thomas started at outside centre on his debut and was also outstanding. This new blood has transformed the seconds into a real rugby playing team. Our backs were running moves against Melksham that I’ve previously only ever seen on the telly!”
Minety seconds take a break this Saturday but are back in action on 4 December in a top-of-the-table clash with Westbury.