Sat. 14th Sept. Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts 1 North – Avonvale 1st 12 Melksham 1st 20
Melksham overhauled Avonvale’s first half lead to win 12-20 in their season opener at the Bath ground, lead out by new captain Nick Suter and coach Chris Chudley.
On a swelteringly hot day both teams struggled to settle into a rhythm, failing to convert pressure into points with an infraction or loose ball.
Melksham’s Ali Smith slotting a penalty for first blood to the visitors and they seemed the stronger side, but it was the home team who struck back with a deft cross field kick to score, followed by a second minutes later, closing the half 12-3.
Melksham took control to shut out the home team in the second half with two tries and a penalty. Both tries were heavy carries through the defence from Dave Dyke and Steve Watson to power through tackles and score, the extras slotted by fly half Ali Smith to take the lead. Smith adding a penalty towards the end to leave the home team needing to score twice.
Man of the match awarded to both Phil Stone and recently returned to the club, Steve Watson.
