Mellor came up against the team they almost merged with this weekend and the lack of numbers meant an 8 a side game would be played. Mellor having no absences meant that we had 3 substitutes, something in my 1 and a half years of coaching, have never experienced!

The game began with Mellor retaining possession at the face as usual. Will Moore began the game using a long pole for the first time, and took well to the role, getting involved with the scraps at the face off. From last week, the boys were experienced in playing 8 a-side and it didn't take long for them to jog their memories and remember how to play the game. The boys set up in their shape and began moving the ball around, however Handling errors lead to a Norbury break and their danger-man, number 90, took the chance well with a fine finish. Mellor were quick to reply, a well timed dodge from Josh Benson combined with off ball movement from the rest of the attack, ensured a simple finish for Benson. This exact same move was then repeated with success and Benson found the net for the second time in the day. Mellor were winning the face offs but were unable to produce fast break situations, however some great off ball movement and precise passing lead to George Brady finding the net for the first time in the day. First quarter score 3-2

Second quarter Mellor began to eradicate the handling errors and enjoy lengthy spells of possession. Mellor were finding their dodging match ups well and distributing the ball well after beating their man. Jay Learner was quick to move the ball on after beating his man, 3 more quick passes gave Will Moore a simple finish on the crease to extend Mellors lead. When Norbury did attack Mellors defence was quick to organise, Oli Rogerson picking up their danger-man meant the defence could do their jobs on the other players. Norbury struggled to find openings and when the ball came to Oli Robinson between the sticks, he was calm with his clearing and transferred the ball cleanly into the attack. Half time score 6-3 In favour of Mellor.

The game changed to the regular 10-a-side at half time, meaning just the one sub for Mellor. The boys showed some nice lacrosse in the 8-a-side situations, but now it was time to show it with two extra players. Norbury seem to take to this situation better than the Mellor boys and fired in two quick fire goals and they were right back in the game. The boys took their time to adjust this as Norbury piled on the pressure. The organisation in the defence was strong, and the Norbury dodgers couldn't get near the goal, Cameron Major showing the way for the midfielders in defence. A man up situation gave Charlie Tozer the chance to take full advantage of the gaps on the field, he moved into the gaps with intent and was fed by Ben Smallman to give the two goal cushioning lead. Third quarter score 7-5

In the last quarter frustration seem to get the better of Norbury, they were clocking up penalty time in this quarter and Mellor did take advantage of this. They moved the ball well and managed to extend the lead even further. The Mellor parents showed their support and the cries of 'Wheels Rozza' spurred Rory on to set up Jay Learner. Norbury weren't giving up and their fight help them pull back one more goal but it was just a mere consolation. Final score 9-6 to Mellor.

As we know this game became quite heated and I would just like to say a big thank you to Peter for dealing with things so well. I can fully appreciate how difficult it can be in games like this and Peter's professionalism certainly showed. Thank you parents for not heading for the Ashton game, however, where was Phil..? Very suspicious. Great team effort, just in time for the first cup game!! Let's get a big turn out for this one and a big win!

Scorers: Josh Benson 3, Jay Learner 2, Will Moore 1, Rory Heydon 1, George Brady 1 and Charlie Tozer 1

Saves: Oliver Robinson 3