The last time we met Norbury, it was a tough game with us conceding a rare defeat. Some pressure was on, therefore, to set the score straight in this last game of the league this season. A full squad assigned to the task matched by equal numbers from Norbury left good opportunity for both teams to rotate their players and manage the stamina of the team through the game.

A characteristic difficult start for Mellor saw us conceding two early goals in the first four minutes, in spite of us gaining possession and attempting a couple of attacks during the same time. Norbury's 14 put in a strong attack and found his way though some ill-discipline in passing amongst our boys. Half way into the quarter, some spirited defence, following our coach calling a time-out fort a "little chat", saw us regaining some of our more usual panache. Spirits were lifted and, a man up after a Norbury head check, we positioned well around the Norbury goal, settling down into some better-disciplined passing around their well structured defence. At last we found a gap to give Eddie the chance to score off a pass from George at the end of a nine-pass build up putting us in the lead after what had been 13 nail-biting minutes. The quarter ended 4-2 to us with goals for Sam (2) and George (2) supported by good attack and assists by Tom (1), Sam (1) and Eddie (2). In spite of the difficult start in this quarter, the stats gave some optimism for a positive outcome for our boys with their 70% possession time and 71% successful passing completion. Unsuccessful shots on goal for us totalled 3 against 2 for Norbury.

The second quarter saw a better start and we settled into the game, albeit with us conceding an early goal as Norbury took a one-man advantage following a 60 second penalty to us for a trip. Norbury had upped their game too, their 34% passing completion in the first quarter now much improved at 75%. It was a tougher quarter with fewer goals scored and each team having to take advantage of the other's mistakes - ours compounded by a second penalty for a head check that gave the opposition an opportunity for a spirited attack rebuffed by Ned's quick reactions. Overall, our better positing and discipline in attack was holding up pressure on Norbury, although their well structured defence left us with few chances. At the end of the quarter, Sam and Tom had pushed in a goal each, supported by Tom and George respectively. We had conceded just one. As we entered half time a 6-3 score positioned victory well within our reach, albeit still at some risk.

Quarter 3 gave us early possession and a great attack formation, holding our discipline for nearly three minutes before finding a gap in Norbury's defence. George took the opportunity. Soon after, another by Sam, ably assisted by Tom saw our boys drawing further ahead and a more likely positive conclusion. The score line was testament to how much work we had to do to ensure we sustained our lead, with just three goals scored and two conceded - our third, a cracker from Sam supported by George. Shots on goal were also balanced, another three attempts by each side not finding their way to the back of the net. With a successful passing rate of 81%, perhaps the best statistic of the season, it was clear we had settled into the game, even if the defence kept us away from a higher score difference.

The last quarter drove our win home, showing the benefit of sustaining a high pass-completion rate and good positional discipline. Seven more goals to us, conceding just one. Three goals for Jamie, two for Sam, one for Tom and one for George and assists by George (3), Eddie, Tom and Ollie H, including Eddie assisting Jamie down the wing for a cracking projection past the oppositions goalie.

In conclusion, a convincing win at 16-6 with our boys combining some great attack and strong defence

Match Reporter - Nick Donovan