Well where to start? It was cold and damp, Ben was spoiling Jo for her birthday, so we had no mastermind to craft the play (not sure about that Cookie – BP), and me listening to Billy F Gibbons playing the blues! One out of three’s not bad? We had Garvin, Andy and Dave (and five weeks of intensive training) so there was still hope on the horizon.

The Mellish parking staff were on top form even if someone in a black barge could not get the right line on a parking space after several attempts ?.

Dave, Garvin and Andy got to work on running the squad into their patterns, hindered because of the exuberance of the squad desperate for their first match.

1st Game
For their first run out, it was outstanding, everything we have tried to teach them I think they have delivered on today. Tries scored by Oliver, Kia, Thomas, Felix and Archie

2nd Game
Absolutely delighted with the effort, especially breakdowns which have been tremendous. The ruck area had been good today, we have been quick clearing out over the top and the way we moved it from the scrum half position firing it about. Passing has been good, even though it was so cold. The squad has trained hard for 5 weeks and were ready for this. Tries scored by Charlie, Ethan, Emilio, Felix D and Charles.

3rd Game
The lads are just starting to tire, players are starting to slip off tackles, not clearing out much at rucks. After the first two games we had been so good, strong performance from Josh some great tackling and some great leadership from Josh, Oliver P and solid tacking from William, another strong performance. Mellish really got their legs in this match and gave Chesterfield a run for its money. Try’s scored by Ollie P, Conner and Josh.

4th Game
Although their legs were going, another strong performance. Try’s scored by Lewis, Vinney, George, Ollie and Archie.

5th Game
One last match and to make sure the lads sleep tonight. Try’s scored by Charlie, Henry, Felix D, Emilio, Ollie P and Ethan.

Overall, we know they can pick the ball up and scored from distance. Today the tackling, break downs, and keeping space were very impressive. Overall it was very difficult to single one person out for man of the match, but overall Lewis deserved it as he delivered an all-round performance today which we have not always seen from him. Overall the standard was high, for the first run out everyone who turned up today played to a new level.

Use of the pitch, support, the team playing as a team and not as individuals and improved communication were some of the comments from supporters and Gavin’s new word Tower!!!!

It was so good to see the Panthers playing for the first time in weeks, only one pitch for all the games hindered play a bit. The exuberance of the play energised the Panther family. After a high scoring set of matches, Mellish treated the Panthers to sausage and chips, some even got a second helping.

Thanks to Mellish for a great first match of the season, and the warm welcome before and after the match.
As always, if it was not for Andy, Garvin and Dave whose endless patience and quotes make this a great day for everyone.

Thanks

D.A. Cooke (Roving Match Reporter, U10(s) proof-reading Rachel Cooke any comments please email: Rugby@dacfox.com.

Thanks for that Cookie, looking forward to training on Sunday.
Cheers
Ben