Melksham CATS III 7, Sutton Benger II 59

The seconds got off the mark for the season on Saturday with a good victory at Melksham. The match was notable for the fact that 9 tries were scored and all in the backs. Surely this must have been something to do with “Third Team” running the show at fly half..??  The match began with Benger in the ascendancy from the kick off and in the first minute Harrow sauntered over untouched for the first try.  The conversion was made from in front of the posts despite the new kicker Lakey electing to convert the try from near the ten yard line. The forwards, with a youthful new hooker playing his first game for the club, were dominant and by using techniques learnt in training (a previously unheard of tactic at second team level & maybe it will catch on) provided a steady supply of ball from the ruck for scrum half Denning to spin out to the backs.  Further first half tries came via Paul Boorman, Harrow twice more, and Rich Johnson. At half time Benger were in total control by 31-0.  This allowed the opportunity to bring on a callow youth by the name of Hurring into the front row for some experience of big time rugby. To be fair the lad adapted well and even appeared in loose play on a couple of occasions. Tim Denning with a step and forty yard dash went over and then Boorman followed suit. With fifteen minutes left, however, Melksham upped their game and rumbled over for a score of their own. Shipman, watching from the sidelines could sense that with ten minutes left Melksham were on the comeback trail and within striking distance only 45-7 behind. Desperate measures were called for. A clearly tiring Lakey was removed from the field to allow Shipman on. The very next play with a show, a step, a dummy and a change of pace Shipman was through a non existent hole in the defense that had previously looked rock solid, and hurtling forty yards to the line.  TOUCHDOWN… and the game was safe. There was still time for one more converted try from full back Carl Nicholls before the final whistle. A very satisfying result all round.