Meltham All Blacks - 20 Brighouse Rangers A - 6
A good solid team performance, in less than ideal conditions, saw Meltham notch up their first win of the season. Under the captaincy of Richard Ellis, and with some
players unfortunately missing, Meltham got off to a steady start defending stubbornly. Both teams initially found the wet conditions difficult but it was Meltham who started to
build up momentum, managing to hold Brighouse in their half. This pressure led to Carl Batley's first try of the match crashing through from 10 metres, the extra points were
added by Richard Ellis. Meltham maintained discipline and looked like finishing the half in the lead but a chip and chase allowed the visitors to level the scores on the stroke
of half time.
In the second half Meltham used the conditions to their advantage completing their sets and, with the wind at theirs backs, kicking long to pin Brighouse back in their half.
Another short-range drive from Carl Batley increased Meltham's lead further. The third try of the match came from good ball handling when Meltham first attacked on the
right of the pitch but then spread the ball across to the right wing where Paul Mckeaver scored his first try for the club.
Brighouse maintained a threat throughout but the home side were not going to ease off until the final whistle, to emphasise the fact scored a fourth try from second row Rob
Lewis. Richard Ellis managed to add the extra points despite the wind hampering kicking.
A good result for Meltham that despite the conditions saw them complete more sets than in previous matches and should lift them off the foot of the table. Thanks to the
Brighouse players for the way in which the played, competitive and fair, and to Nev and Wendy Carter for sponsoring the match.
The man of the match was Rob Lewis. In total 11 players received nominations for man of the match a reflection on how the squad is gelling together.