Ashfield RFC started the game with high intensity, controlling possession early and asserting dominance in the attack. Their aggressive line speed kept Melton pinned deep in their own half, with the Ashfield forwards recycling the ball efficiently to maintain momentum. Chris Houseman, true to form, proved a constant menace for the opposition, driving the ball straight into the heart of Melton’s defence.

Despite Ashfield’s commanding start, Melton began to find their rhythm around the 20-minute mark, applying pressure on the home side. Ashfield’s defence held firm, and clever tactical kicking from captain Jake Manning pushed Melton back to midfield, relieving some of the mounting pressure.

The match turned into an exhilarating contest of pace and power, as both sides’ backs showcased their speed with impressive runs. However, it was Melton who broke the deadlock at the 30-minute mark with a penalty, slotting the ball through the posts to take a 3-0 lead. Moments later, a quick tap penalty in Ashfield’s red zone saw Melton crash over for their first try of the match. Fortunately for Ashfield, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

As the first half drew to a close, tensions began to rise, with both teams trading blows in a fiercely contested battle.

At halftime, Dan Sprowell made way for Michael Green, with Dan Richardson shifting into the forward pack. The second half mirrored the first, with Ashfield pressing hard to take control. Ten minutes into the half, a well-placed up-and-over kick from Jake Manning nearly resulted in a try for Mason Fleet, but he narrowly missed grounding the ball in time.

Midway through the second half, Melton gained a foothold deep in Ashfield’s territory. A line-out near the red zone turned into a powerful driving maul, but Dan Chapman heroically disrupted the play, giving Ashfield a brief reprieve. Unfortunately, Melton regained possession and, after a series of phases, crossed the line for their second try, which was converted to extend their lead.

Shortly after, Dan Nicholls suffered a knock in the scrum, forcing Ashfield to bring Dan Sprowell back onto the field. Melton capitalised on another penalty opportunity, adding three more points to their tally. Despite the mounting score line, Ashfield continued to dominate possession and exert pressure, creating numerous opportunities but struggling to convert their hard work into points.

Melton’s clinical edge proved decisive, as they scored another converted try after a spell of possession. As the game wore on, a thunderous tackle from Tom Childs saw tensions flare once again, prompting the referee to warn both captains to keep tempers in check. Melton capitalised on their momentum, adding another try under the posts and converting to seal their victory.

In the dying moments, Ashfield made a final push, showcasing their determination and attacking intent, but time ran out before they could find a breakthrough. The final whistle marked a disappointing result on the scoreboard for Ashfield, but the performance told a different story. Their strength in attack, solid defensive work, and resilience impressed even some of the Melton players, who were surprised by the final margin. This Ashfield side remains a dangerous force, and there’s no doubt they will bounce back stronger in their next outing.

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