So close yet so far

Going in to March, Coalville were looking to have a strong finish to a somewhat disappointing season. After some last minute changes Coalville took a reduced squad over to, as expected, a very experienced Melton side.
Coalville started very well applying early pressure to the Melton line. This pressure paid as Hodges kept up his good form with the boot, putting the visitors three points up. However it wasn’t long until the Melton ten replied, locking the scores up.
Coalville were the first to cross the white wash: some ill discipline from Melton allowed a Coalville scrum on the hosts 5m line. After some good work at the back from Harding filling in well as a late change at 8, the attacking back line spun it through the hands to Lloyd Dyke, finding his early season form with 2 tries in 2 games. Hodges could not convert the difficult extras. Despite all the pressure, the trend continued with Melton hitting straight back. Sloppy tackling after a blind side move saw the nimble Melton winger to cross, with the ten converting to put Melton in front, as they would stay all game.
From this point Melton kept a firm stranglehold on the game, keeping vast amounts of possession and territory, showing an inexperienced Coalville how to close a game out.
The second period saw Melton adding to their lead with two converted scores. Despite replies from Simon ‘Pablo’ Addison and Hodges, who has now scored 4 in his last 2 appearances, Coalville never really looked like winning, with the hosts coming on top 24-20.