This was a tough game for the Mellor U14 team and they only just managed to overpower a well organised and tenacious Poynton team. Mellor’s superior technique gave them the edge but they were almost ground down by the disciplined possession play from their opponents.

The first quarter started with a lot of possession from the visitors and Mellor looked a little sleepy. So it was a surprise when Mellor scored first through Sam Griffiths. Poynton continued as they had started though and finally their patient play got them an equaliser. Ben Tipping ripped through the Poynton defence to make it 2-1 but Poynton scored from the face-off to level the score. Another quick break from the face-off led to a third and an uncharacteristic mistake by Will Macdonald in goal. Mellor looked a little rattled and it was a welcome relief when Eddie Jenkins scored from behind the goal when his shot (pass?) hit the goalie and rolled in. Poynton’s reply was another quick move into the man on the crease and another goal. It was 3-4 at the end of the quarter.

Mellor reorganised putting Joey Bissell on long-pole in defence. Joey, stepping up from the U12s had a great game and his move into defence helped steady the ship. Mellor’s tactic of trying to hit their opponents on the break started to pay off. Ben Tipping equalised after a great move from the back. Drew then gave Mellor the lead from a dead ball situation. Poynton pulled one back, briefly overwhelming the Mellor defence but Sam Griffiths combined well with Drew who scored his second to put Mellor back ahead 6-5. Drew then scored a third with a great turn to make it 7-5 at halftime.

The third quarter was tighter but Mellor now had the edge and were starting to dominate possession. Will made a series of low saves and any shots from distance were easily scooped up by the Mellor goalie. Eddie finished off a great move started by Will for Mellor eighth goal and Ben Tipping scored a confident goal on the break to make it 9 – 5 at the end of the third.

The last quarter saw Mellor tiring and starting to get pinned back. Joey, Joe Kynaston and Josh Haining all had to work hard to keep Poynton from getting in close. Mellor twice hit the post but couldn’t add to their tally and Poynton’s fresher legs gave them more chances. They pulled it back to 9 – 7 but never looked like passing Mellor’s score.

Once again this little Mellor team won against a more numerous and organised opponent and they should be proud of their efforts today.

Man of the match – Ben Tipping

Goals :

Sam Griffiths - 1 Ben Tipping – 3 Drew Bickerton - 3 Eddie Jenkins – 2

Saves - 8