The Mellor gang gathered on the other side of the Pennines for their first Plate game on Sheffield’s Astro, following the cup loss to Timperley, on what was a glorious although cold and frosty winter’s morning. The boys headed into the game as firm favourites, having beaten Sheffield twice already in the league, and it was good to see strong support from the parents. Special thanks to Stu who sacrificed his warm hands to keep a record of the scorers.

The game started in usual Mellor style, that is by conceding the first goal before kicking into gear with a solo goal from Ellis to level early on. Miles P then set up Cam, with further goals from Finn, James K and two from Miles P to make it 6 - 1 to Mellor at quarter time. Unfortunately the Sheffield keeper, who had been making some excellent saves, had to come off following an injury, opening the way further for Mellor.

Into the second quarter and goals from Cam, Miles Q, James K and another Miles P brace, with one from Sheffield made it 11 - 2 to Mellor at half time. With all these goals to be recorded never mind how the boys were fairing, Stu’s hands were even getting colder!

Another eight goals from Mellor in Q3, with 3 from Miles P, two from Finn, and one each from Eddie, James K and Sammy made it 19 - 2. Sheffield were struggling to break the Mellor defence, which had been returned to full strength with the return of Robbie and Ollie back to full fitness.

John mixed it up a bit in Q4, James S came into midfield and forwards were swapped, with Cam bagging a couple more and Sheffield finally piercing the defence to make it 21 - 3 at full time. Never mind the score though, by this point the frostbite had set in for Stu and amputations of gangrene fingers were to follow.

Credit to Sheffield for not giving up on a desperately bitter day, and well done to them for a definite improvement in performance compared to our last game. The match was played in excellent spirit, with great facilities (pint anyone?) which made for an enjoyable morning. Man of the match to Miles P for his seven goals. Next up in the Plate is Brooklands.