Melksham were hosts to Pewsey Vale on Saturday, observing a minute’s silence in memory of Paul McQuillin who sadly passed away the week before. Paul’s immediate family were in attendance, with his daughters carrying on the match ball to start the game.
On commencement of play, both teams fought for territory and possession in equal measure. The first points came from the boot of scrumhalf Callum Hurn, slotting a penalty for the home side. This was to mark an upswing in the pressure from the Pewsey side who scored three disciplined tries to take the score away 21 points in their favour. Melksham rallied, under scoreboard pressure, and worked their way into the visitors’ territory and from 5 metres out, captain Charlie Radcliffe scored from the back of the scrum, Hurn adding the extras.
On the restart of the second half, Hurn slotted another penalty and Melksham continued pressure on the Pewsey line on several occasions, but were denied by the visitors’ robust defence coming away without any points. Pewsey replied with a penalty of their own and gained another try as they recovered possession and momentum. Melksham, not giving up the battle, found Callum Gillard cutting a perfect line, at pace, around the scrum to receive the pass and score, Hurn adding the extras. Pewsey’s consistent desire in attack was rewarded with the converted try of their own, to take the game and win 20 – 36 .
The game was sponsored by local man Andy King.
