MELKSHAM RFC came out on top in the league fixture at home to Swindon II.
Melksham’s momentum built throughout, exploding in the second quarter with five unanswered tries for a bonus point score. The first try came from Steve Watson, powering in on his team debut. The next points from Phil Williams forcing his way over the line, conversion added by Rob Bailey.
A scything, powerful run from Nick Suter starting inside his half eluding tacklers until just short of the line where Sam Norris arrived to receive the timely pass and score, Bailey adding the extras.
The wingers were next in action as Nathan Jones receiving the ball out wide backed himself to add five points. The next score appearing to make the game safe came from Watson for his second Bailey making the conversion 31-0 at half time. The break resulted in a slowing of the pace both sides contesting for the next score. Swindon had recovered somewhat and rallied to put 7 points on the board. Melksham’s reply came from Foster 15m out from the Swindon line the ball was sent left to him from a breakdown adding 5 more points. Swindon were still battling and were rewarded with an unconverted try approaching full time.
Substitutions were key throughout the game demonstrated by club stalwart Steve Harris getting on towards the close of the game to mark a first team appearance, this year, for the vets player. Final whistle score 36-12.
The captain Callum Hurn said, “We hit our stride in the first half putting together some good passages of rugby but to their credit Swindon regrouped and came back at us in the second half. A great day for Steve Watson, scoring twice in his first team debut and for Nick Suter with a strong ball carrying performance. On the whole I was very proud of the performance displayed by everyone.”
