Melksham were at home welcoming third placed league rivals Pewsey Vale to Oakfields.
A great game of rugby followed with the visitors hitting their stride straight away, scoring two tries through powerful scrummaging and direct running. Melksham faced an uphill battle to overcome their slow start.
The rally started with good hands through the backs to Callum Gillard crossing out wide for first points on the board, the extras added by Simon Foster. Renewed pressure in the visitors’ half saw them cough up a penalty slotted by Foster to close the half 10-12.
Pewsey re-gathered to strike again just after the restart, easing away from the home team with a converted try. Melksham continued to battle back, scoring from relentless forward pressure with Chris Partt, off the bench, scoring, Foster adding the extras returning it to a two point game.
Both teams contested powerfully throughout the remainder of the game and the deadlock was finally broken by Melksham’s prop, Paul Hayden, who received the ball at pace to put the home team ahead for the first time.
Despite a spirited last ten minutes from both teams the score was to stand 22-19 in the Melksham’s favour. Paul Hayden was awarded man of the match in this exciting, well played, clash of league rivals.
