J C Balls Belper 1st XV 7 v Melbourne 1st XV 13

In the last game of the season Belper faced a Melbourne side that had beat them twice already this season. Belper had won eight league games in a row and were very confident going into the game despite a few injuries picked up on tour, notably Blount with a dislocated ankle, Blackwell with a twisted knee, and Blake with a broken finger.
It was another scorcher of a day, and with the pitch being made playable by intense watering during the week, Belper started well after inspirational words from coaches Bardon and Boyd and attacked Melbourne straight from the kick off.
Dakin made a break, being supported by Woodward, was tackled 10 metres short of the Melbourne line. Wanting quick ball and with an opposition player laying all over it Naylor moved the offending player with his boot. The referee took exception to this and issued Naylor with a yellow card.
Being down to 14 men Belper had to defend like warriors while the sin bin clock ran down. Everything Melbourne threw at Belper they stopped with huge hits coming from Inns, Tennick and Blake.
Belper managed to muster a few chances of their own, with Dymond going close with a long range penalty from an angle. Melbourne's fly half also missed a kick from in front of the posts.
Finally after what seemed to be a very long 10 minutes the referee allowed Naylor back on the park. It was only a matter of minutes before Belper took the lead. Smith seemed to be everywhere, punching holes in the Melbourne defence and it was one such run that set up the first score. Smith drew in the defence and with great support play by O'Mara, Sissons and Watson the ball was spread by Dymond and with Tennick throwing a miss pass to the on-running Laven, he burst through the gap, side-stepped the on rushing full back to score to the right of the posts.
Dymond converted brilliantly with a rapturous applause from the hundreds of supporters that had come down to urge on their team. 7 - 0 to Belper.
This seemed to wake Melbourne up and straight from the kick off they attacked Belper only to meet the brick wall that was 'Merv' Holmes. Belper again withstood endless pressure from Melbourne with 'tan man' being a constant threat.
Following a ruck Dakin twisted his knee and was forced off meaning a change of formation for Belper with Adams coming into second row and Sissons moving to the back row.
With half time approaching the referee gave a somewhat dubious decision and awarded Melbourne a penalty in front of the posts. Melbourne's kicker slotted to make it 7 - 3 to Belper.
HALF TIME.
Belper were pleased but knew Melbourne would come back even stronger so it was going to be a tough second half. With Teager taking a bang to the head just before the interval the decision was made to bring Lewis on.
Again as before the break Melbourne attacked Belper relentlessly and eventually after 15 minutes Melbourne finally scored making it 7 - 8 to Melbourne. Again Melbourne scored another quick try to make it 7 - 13.
Belper made another change with the hugely impressive Smith coming off for Gratton.
Belper knew they must attack, needing to win to secure promotion and so they did and after a chip and chase by Gray the ball went agonisingly over the dead ball line. Belper were starting to worry Melbourne.
With 10 minutes left Belper had a scrum on Melbourne's 5 metre line. Naylor spread to his backs and with the try line beckoning Blake was unfortunate to fumble and the chance was gone.
This didn't dampen Belper's spirit though with Lewis bursting onto the ball and making breaks with good support from Laven. Again the ball was knocked forward when the line was beckoning.
Gray came close again but was tackled 5 metres short of the line, despite more pressure Belper couldn't break the solid Melbourne defence. The referee blew the whistle and the game was over.
Belper had done so well this season and the only thing stopping their promotion was Rolls Royce's superior points difference. There were a lot of sad faces at the end but they know that if they can stick together next season then they will see the success that nearly happened this year.
Belper would like to thank the massive support we got on Saturday and also JC Balls for all their kind donations to kit and equipment and their general support of the club for what has proved to be a very exciting season.
Next Saturday sees Belper in Cup action against Rolls Royce in the Derbyshire Cup semi-final. Both teams finished level on points this season so this should be a real classic cup tie. Kick Off 3pm, bar open all day.