The heavens opened on the opening whistle and it didnt stop p***ing down for the next two hours.

After losing the first goal Mellor came back strong with 4 goals to no reply taking a 4-2 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Ground ball supremo Cameron Major who seems to come out from most melees with the ball and today's game was no different moved the ball well. Rochdale had most of the possession early on but didn't convert possession into goals. Mellor struggled at the X but made up for it with ground ball wins and while possession went Mellors way in the second quarter Rochdale turned the tables and drew level 5-5 t half time.

The second half started well with 3 goals on the bounce to give Mellor some breathing space. This coupled with some excellent D work from long poles Tom Hallam, Tom Ogden, Jack Woodhead and Oli Rogerson helped stifle the Rochdale attack and the 3rd quarter ended 10-6. Things didn't start well for Mellor at the start of the 4th with a couple of quick Rochdale goals to bring the score to 10-8. This coupled with some slack passing made for a nervy finish but as ever ex England attack man Will Sugden came up with a late goal to ease the pressure and Mellor crossed the line to take their seconds win of the season 12-9. As ever keeper Alex Naftal kept numerous shots at bay and has made a huge difference to the 1st team this season. Next opponents in two weeks time are current league champions Cheadle who will no doubt prove to be our toughest challenge yet.

Big thanks to Alistair Hodgson for stepping in to coach today.

Game stats
Alex Naftal 11 saves
Dan Watson 2 goals 3 shots
Will Sugden 2 goals 8 shots 2assists
Tim Roche 3 goals 5 shots 2 ground balls
Matt Marsh 2 goals 4 shots 1 ground ball
Cam Major 1 goal 4 shots 6 ground balls
Freddie Evans 1 goal 3 shots 1 assist 1 ground ball
Oli Rogerson 3 t/overs 3 ground balls
Tom Ogden 3 t/overs 2 ground balls
Tom Hallam. 4 t/overs 4 ground balls
Jack Woodhead 3 t/overs 1 ground ball
Si Burgess face offs 5
Penalties
Tom Ogden X2
Oli Rogerson X1
Rob McAlhone X1
Will Sugden X1
Cameron Major X1