Mellish win for Retford

Retford gained a measure of revenge for a defeat suffered before Christmas, by beating Mellish 22-7.

The Bassetlaw side travelled to Maperley Top needing a win to ensure neither of the bottom two had any chance of catching them, thus surviving their first season in the third division.

For the first 20 minutes honours were even.

However Retford were building momentum and the ball was turned over for Simon Phillips to seize his chance and score Retford’s opening try.

Mellish powered over for an equalising try only to be pulled back for a forward pass.

Retford were showing their metal and for a good 10 minutes their defence held tight with Ally Waring leading the way.

Mike Phillips helped the cause by ripping the ball out and setting up a kick and chase down the left wing with Christian Clarke touching down.

Josh Freeman hacked downfield and this set up panic in the Mellish defence, resulting in a well deserved try by Iain Balmer.

Mellish came out with all guns a blazing at the start of the second half and crashed over for a converted trys.

But Retford powered forward with a try by Jonathan Severn, ably converted by Freeman.

As the game went on Retford turned back to solid defence and stopped Mellish repeatedly.

Retford now face Lincoln away in their final league match, before the Notts Junior Cup final against Bingham on 6th May at 3pm, at Mellish.

SELECTIONS

Retford (v Lincoln, away, meet 12pm, KO 3pm) J. Nicklin, C. Clark, B. Agar, R. South, J. Freeman, S. Parkin, M. Phillips, C. Maule, M. Green, D. Ruzicka, I. Balmer, J. Severn, J. Dixon, S. Phillips, D. Howard. Reserves: L. Hewgill, J. Helliwell, J. Wright.

Retford II (v Matlock III, home, meet 1pm, KO 3pm)R. Henderson, J. Pontier, C. Greenfield, F. Followell, J. Followell, S. Henderson, I. Rees, R. Rochead, J. Herrick, K. Spencer, J. Harrison, W. Wilkinson, M. Rose, R. Prince, C. Holland. Reserves: J. Capes, C. Fitzpatrick, J. Braes, B. Harrison, D. Taylor, D. Lodge, C. O’Connor, R. Marsden, N. Whittingham.

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