Southwell RUFC triumph over Mellish!

Off the back of a rather laboured display in their win against Moderns, Southwell Rugby Club’s first team had the opportunity to further impose their mark in the league, against a physical Mellish side. An opportunity that was well and truly taken.

After a quick photo with the team’s sponsors Gascoines, the game was set. Only one key change in the team from the previous game, which saw captain Barker slot into Midfield to add some bulk to the flair already present.

An early penalty was slotted early on by the left footed Frettingham, taking over from the trusted Wilson boot. Mellish’s own Jonny Bairstow had a penalty of their own, taking the score to 3-3 in the first five minutes.

Southwell went on to build some good phase play, which was rewarded by an Ortiz try in the corner, set up by the elusive Simon ‘Our Vegan’ Barber. ‘Handy’ Frett failed to add the extras on this occasion.

Southwell continued to retain possession in the middle of the park, which created some space for Saywell who managed to burst through the defence on the half way line, before weaving his way past Mellish players to score a 50 metre try, an excellent individual moment. The sides went into half time at 18-3.

The game broke up in the second half as Mellish stuggled to handle the ‘tip ons’ from Southwell’s pack, who secured great ball for playmaker Muzgrove. This front foot ball eventually paid dividends as Southwell’s wingers bagged three further tries. Tom ‘the dancer’ Broughton and Stefano Ortiz bagged a pair each. A try was also taken through a Frettingham Intercept, a credit to the home side’s line speed.

Mellish responded with a resilient 10 minutes of their own in the second half, who penned Southwell back in their own 22. The defence held.

The game finished in a popular area of the pitch on Mellish’s line before Frett threw a loose pass into touch, ironically his only loose pass in the game.

The score finished 44-3. A big performance against a strong side. Our bid to the top of the league continues against Belper in the next game.

Published February 2020