MELKSHAM RFC visited Swindon’s Supermarine in their latest Dorset & Wilts 1 North fixture.
Both teams engaged in freewheeling play and the hosts struck first with the ball quickly through the hands out wide getting in behind the visitors’ defence.
Aware of the threat, Melksham stepped up and pressurised their opponents’ line with Dave Dyke sniping around the corner to level it. Thirty minutes in, full back Matt Glover picked up a knee injury, leading to a re-jig of players and Cameron Bull making his debut on the wing. Cameron scored a sensational try with his first touch of the ball after stepping the home defence. Callum Hurn, in at 10, slotted the posts from out wide.
Melksham were now controlling the game and full-back Jonny Mills, with his signature elusive running, scored another and Hurn added the extras. The half closed at 5-19.
Supermarine were not done yet, and two quick penalties got them back into the game and the pressure had turned.
Their spirits rallied and they scored another try bring the game tightly balanced with a one point difference.
Melksham stepped up again, working the ball out wide for Ben Brown to settle the visitors’ nerves. As if scripted, the home team had a last gasp effort and struck again; the score ended with one point in it in the Melksham’s favour 23-24.
The visitors were pleased with the bonus point win after an exciting knife-edge second half. Joint man of the match awards went to Callum Hurn and Dave Dyke.
Report by John Hurn
