Melbourne hosted East Retford in the final league game of the season. Retford had beaten Melbourne earlier in the season and were one place above them in the league, the winner of today's game could claim 4th place.

Euen Holden made a couple of changes in the pack with Keir Biggins and Pete Birchall being replaced by Bob Stowell and Nigel Breakwell, Dave Middleton replaced Pete Ilott on the wing.

Melbourne started the game brightly and were soon right up on the Retford try line with only very resolute defending keeping Melbourne from scoring, the referee awarded Melbourne a penalty that was taken quickly, another drive for the line saw Pete Welsh dive over to score, Holden converted and it was a perfect start for the home side.

Melbourne never really settled after this early score with too many players beginning to hang off from the rucks and mauls and allowing Retford right back into the game. The referee's decisions were also going Retfords way with ill-discipline creeping in!! Retford kicked one of the penalties to narrow the score to 7:3.

It was now Melbourne's turn to defend their line with Retford on the front foot, this held up for a while but with the half coming to an end Retford ran through some poor tackles to score two tries before the interval, one try converted to make the half time score 7:15.

Some harsh words at half time and a different Melbourne side played the second half, within 5 minutes Melbourne had scored two tries through the centres after some excellent work by Chris Fulton and Ashley Stringer, Holden converted one to retake the lead 19:15.

The score was increased soon after when Ian Lucas scored following a 5mtr scrum, Holden converted 26:15. Holden kept the scoreline increasing with two penalties to increase the gap to 32:15. Retford did rally again and scored late on to make the final score 32: 20.

Melbourne finish the season in 4th position level on points with 3rd placed Rolls Royce. There is plenty to work on in preparation to next seasons matches including a tough pre-season fitness surge.

Belper come to Cockshut lane this weekend to play the semi-Final of the Derbyshire Cup, kick off is 3pm, please come down and support the team.