Sat 25 Sep 2021, 15:00
North Dorset Badgers travelled to Melksham for their first league game of the season. The Badgers took a cete of 21 plus the inspirational Julian Davis in full kit to Melkshams fantastic new grounds. It is also the Badgers furthest away league game.
Skipper Jean-Marc Parry(not to be confused with Jean-Luc) won the toss and chose to attack up the slight hill. Melksham kicked off and regathered the ball, and started to attack Norths line with vigour. However, the Badgers held firm and broke free thanks to some strong running from Mitchell Pearce and Tractor Ted star Mike Green.
Melksham's cover defence gave away a penalty, and the Badgers put themselves into the oppositions 22 for the first time. North caught and drove superbly and was making good progress towards the line. However, white line fever struck, and an isolated runner was turned over. Melksham was able to clear their lines. However, North counterattacked superbly through centres Tom Rose and Charlie Hart. The ball fell to Dave Allen, and as the lock forward gathered the ball, the home teams defence parted ways, and he galloped clear to score the games opening try. Parry missed the conversion. 0 – 5.
Melksham restarted the game, and as their last kick-off, they regathered the ball and started to attack the Badgers line. However, it wasn't long until their 13 found a weak shoulder and crashed over the line under the sticks, 7 – 5.
North restarted the game and regathered the ball. After a couple of phases, the ball found its way to hooker Richard Miller. He made his best Dane Coles impression and sprinted clear of the defence to score the Badger's second meat pie of the day. Parry missed the conversion. 7 – 10.
Melksham restarted and was able to reapply some pressure. Still, the Badgers held firm and were able to start to gain some territory slowly. Norths set-piece was beginning to get on top, with props Ben Parker and Matt Whelan doing a fine job at scrum time.
Off a scrum came the Badgers next score, Green now playing 9, linked up with no 8 Gary Smith down the blind wing before finding the flying Owen Tiltman, Tiltman raced up his wing found some support and after a quick phase or two, the ball found its way to Parry who streaked clear to bag his meat pie, Parry missed the conversion. 7 – 15. The halftime whistle soon followed.
North kicked the second half off and was able to apply some early pressure. However, poor discipline from the over-keen badgers let Melksham clear their lines. Melksham was able to progress into Badger territory. However, North turned over the ball. After a delightful show and go from Green, North countered. Flyhalf veteran Jonathan Hooper supporting Green drew the full-back and gave a fine pass. With 70 meters of clear space, Hooper attempted to pin his ears back and set off for the try line, only to be brought down 5 meters short of the whitewash by Melkshams pacey winger. Badgers support were there quickly, and with flanker Marcus Randall ready to pounce, he was clinically taken out from behind by a retreating defender. From the resulting penalty, the Badgers weren't able to capitalise. Following 10 minutes was a scrappy affair with both teams shuffling their cards.
Melksham then won a couple of penalties which helped them gain some good territory and scored from a well-worked move freeing their pacey winger. 14-15.
Melksham now had their tails up and had 15 minutes to try and win the game. However, the Badger's discipline stopped them from being able to gain any decent field position. Lock Charles Rees and flanker Toby Davies led by example, smashing into rucks and the Melksham runners stopping them in their tracks. Luke Perry making strong runs out of defence. With 5 minutes left, North gave away a penalty on their 10-meter line leaving the 100% accurate Melksham 10 a kick bang in front of the posts from 40 meters out. Much to Norths relief, he failed with his attempt.
North attempted to clear their lines but again struggled. Melksham's back 3 providing good counterattacks only to be punished by some strong defence by Chuck Hill & Sam Vincent. Vince Stone, now at prop, was doing his best and with the Badgers scrum now firmly on top, one of the Melksham second rows lost his head, and he was sent to the bin.
However, the 14 men of Melksham kept finding themselves in the better areas of the pitch. They won a penalty and were able to kick into Norths 22 for their last chance of snatching victory. The cete of Badgers were firm in the defensive efforts forcing an error from Melksham. The referee blew his whistle, and the ND Badgers took the spoils.
The game was played in great spirits throughout and superbly managed by the referee. Touch judge of the match goes to Spencer Pinkawa, with a fine display.
The Badger of the match was Toby Davies for his exemplary defensive efforts.
The Badgers travel to Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew this weekend, 3 pm kick-off.
