A cold but dry morning greeted the players and supporters at Mellor Sports Club.
Warming bacon butties were being sold well before face off by the Booy family with a few kilos of chips in preparation for the boys later.
Following defeat away at Norbury in early December we were hoping for a better result at the home match.

Phil looked resplendent in his still new looking ref’s kit as the players mustered for the start of the match.
Despite losing the initial face off Mellor had a good opening period culminating in the first goal from Ellis ably assisted by Eddie.
This early lead was short lived as Norbury replied quickly. However a great move from Mellor saw Noah running and passing to Finn who assisted Jake to restore the early lead again.
A well prepared Norbury were clearly up for it as they again equalised and also hit the post.
Mellor took the lead for a third time through Jake assisting Jack Royle before Norbury yet again equalised making the score 3-3 at the end of a well matched and very enjoyable first quarter.

In the 2nd quarter Norbury started strongly and scored 2 goals despite the valiant defensive efforts of Robbie, Jack L, Toby & Fredrick between the sticks.
Great running from Toby and the battling of Jake and Theo helped to suppress Norbury who’s numbers 44 & 95 were giving Mellor a difficult time with the post saving Mellor from going further behind again.
Good passing between Miles and Eddie led to a second goal for Ellis before Phil eventually blew the half time whistle with the score still tight at 4-5.

The third quarter started with a face off win from James P passing onto Finn but the quarter was edged by Norbury with goals either side of a great individual strike from Miles giving the score as 5-7 going into the final quarter.
Mellor were tiring now and Norbury scored 5 more goals without reply despite close attempts from Miles and Noah.
Fredrick saved twice off his stick late on and his post was struck yet again.

It was a good feisty game with several players sin binned and although Norbury certainly deserved the win, the 5 – 12 margin of victory was harsh.

Mellor’s man of the match: No. 16: Ellis Booy
Norbury’s: No. 44

Next up Stockport at home in the Cup!

Cheers
Angus