The season kicked off yesterday with a 1st round THREE COUNTIES CUP match at home against Cleethorpes. The only thing known about the opposition was that they had beaten a depleted Melbourne 1st team the previous season by 1 point. 

A near full strength Melbourne team was available, 2 players were missing due to minor injuries.There was a good blend of youth and experience within the side. First team debuts going to Ash Stringer, Martin Ridges and Chris Fulton, all products of the Melbourne mini and junior set up. Melbourne dominated the game from start to finish and in all areas. The fitness of the players allowing wave after wave of attack and scoring from all areas of the pitch.

Melbourne led at half time 85:5.

Melbourne lost abit of shape for the first 10 -15 minutes of the second half, this could have been more down to too many players hanging out of rucks and mauls looking for the ball. This was soon put right and Melbourne finished the game strong eventually winning 128 : 5.

A good morale boosting win, but alot of work to be done before the first league game at home against North Derbyshire next Saturday where a much harder game is expected.

Scorers:

• Ian Lucas 5 Tries
• Pete Ilott 4 Tries
• Ash Stringer 3 Tries
• Andy Watts 2 Tries
• Martin Ridges 2 Tries
• Chris Fulton 1 Try
• Dean Sylvester 1 Try
• Andy Fulton 1 Try
• Dean Sylvester 1 Try
• Paul Macer 1 Try
• Rob Foster 1 Try

Conversions by Rob Foster and Dean Sylvester