A bye was handed to the Mellor U16s in the first round of the cup, leading some players to believe they would be enjoying a weekend off. However this certainly wasn't the case, a friendly was arranged against Brooklands, the only team we have lost to this season in all 9 games. On the other hand, Brooklands haven't lost any. There was plenty of support on the sideline this week, maybe because Ashton weren't playing

Game began very similar to the reverse fixture, Brooklands clamping and distributing the ball. Brooklands would hold on to the ball and wait for Mellor mistakes. These mistakes didn't occur from a defensive point of view as the Mellor boys were able to pressure turnovers and facilitate counter attacks. Poor handling seem to break down these opportunities and Brooklands were not slow to capitalise on this. Some efficient ball movement lead to a one on one finish. When Mellor did hold the ball in attack the Brooklands defence rushed out, some poor checking gave Mellor the man up opportunity, Jay Learner would take matters into his own hands with a powerful outside shot, straight through the legs of the Brooklands keeper. First quarter score 3-1 in favour of Brooklands

In the second quarter Learner was able to hold up the face off man and allow Oli Rogerson to scrap for the ball, more often than not coming out victorious. However, again poor handling was the nemesis of the Mellor boys today and allowed Brooklands to take the fast break opportunities multiple times. Nothing different happened in this quarter meaning a time-out was called, a chance for Mellor to regroup and start a fresh. Half time score 8-1 to Brooklands

At half time Mellor were able to clear their heads and mentally refresh to start the game again. This seemed to work with more fight on the ground balls and retaining possession much better. A stunning effort from Cameron Major saw the goals nearly being tipped over, hitting the underside of the crossbar but not going past the line. Learner also had the same luck, striking the upright. A combination of poor luck and handling meant Mellor were not able to score, although playing nice lacrosse at times. On the other side of the pitch, Mellors defence piled on the pressure and Robinson came up with some great saves. Third quarter score 9-1

The final quarter began with Major having success at the face off, winning the ball cleanly numerous times. Mellor were able to work the ball around the goal and josh benson would for home his first of the game. Brooklands showed their class and consistency in attack with some beautiful lacrosse goals. Mellor began to tire and Brooklands used this to their own advantage firing in 4 more goals. Mellor carried on their fight though, some good ball movement gave Rogerson some space to shoot in the bottom corner of the Brooklands goal, only to be a mere consolation. Final score 13-3

The boys showed great effort, I felt the main reason we lost this was the lack of link up between midfield and attack. Both sets of players not working for each other giving difficult passes and therefore more handling errors. However great effort on the ground balls as always and much improved on the last meeting!

Managers view - 'The big Brooklands squad may have played better than us, but we had the better coach and spectators'

I would like to second both those statements...

Saves - Oli Robinson 3
Scorers- Jay Learner 1, Josh Benson 1, Oli Rogerson 1.