In The Bleak Midwinter

Although Harborough had much of the early possession, it was clear that Melton would be no walkover. They were on top in the scrum and made thorough nuisances of themselves in the loose. Jack Woodward started for Harborough after a prolonged lay off through injury and made the break that lead to the first try, scored by Ed Duggan on the wing.

Melton kept the pressure on, though, won plenty of scrum ball against the head and rucked well to win ball, or slow down possession. Harry Grimmett was making some typically powerful breaks, and was held up over the line. The resulting scrum for Melton was solid, but Alejandro Scott charged down the attempted clearance kick and Matty Stamp was on hand to fall on the ball for the next score. This one was converted by Will Hallam, but Harborough had certainly had to work hard for their 12 – 0 lead.

Duggan was involved in the next score, catching a penalty kick from Melton that missed touch and carrying to within a few metres of the try line. It was Max Dalby, on as a replacement second row, who powered over the line with a great running angle and low body position. Hallam again converted to make the half time score 19 – 0.

Melton put in huge determination in the second half to take the game to the hosts. They were the first to score with a powerful drive at the scrum to steal Harborough ball. They recycled quickly and passed out to the wing, who made the most of his speed to touch down in the corner.

Keiran Silcott made one of his trademark breaks through a gap that didn’t exist, to set Harborough up for their next score, Will Hallam appearing at the bottom of a ruck to touch down. Hallam converted his own try.

Melton had the last laugh, and reward for their continued effort and pressure. Harborough made too many unforced errors and could not withstand the onslaught, conceding a well worked score which was successfully converted to make the final tally 26 – 12.