Dronfield Stags suffer home defeat against a strong Melbourne side

After their disappointing away defeat by 32-20 at Nottinghamiams 1st XV in their last match, they were hoping to make amends against a strong Melbourne Seconds outfit who have had an impressive start to the season with only one loss and they currently lie in second position in Counties 3 Midlands East (North) The Stags at present are mid table with three wins so far.

Stags were forced to make changes through unavailability, injury and losing players to the first team’s squad and therefore included five of the present Colts team. It soon became apparent as to why Melbourne had only lost the one match all season as they had dominant players in backs and forwards By half time, they had scored three tries with the Stags response being a Luke Nicholson penalty.

Two of the tries came after lack lustre tackling in midfield and the third following an interception on halfway. Stags did well to keep score to 3-21 at half time.

In the second half the Dronfield forwards stepped up a gear and were magnificent They pushed Melbourne pack backwards in some scrums and the home side were unlucky not to score more points .They kept head up and their endeavours were rewarded with a Mike Wetherall try converted by Luke Nicholson Despite lapses of concentration which resulted in further tries for the visitors.

The Stags kept going and played well to limit Melbourne’s try scoring opportunities Dronfield came close to scoring again with Rod Holland outstanding in his contribution throughout the match It was however Freddie Richardson who deserved being named Dronfield’s Player of the Match. The final score of 10-38 did not reflect Dronfield’s efforts throughout the game.

Next week they travel to play Leesbrook 1st XV and will be hoping for a stronger squad and a more positive result.