It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was a beautiful morning in Mellor, it was an early morning in Mellor. A squad of 11 made the trip but not all were 100% present as the game got underway (not Zach - he was as enthusiastic as ever and couldn’t wait to rip into the opposition). Mellor took an early lead with a deflected goal that was followed up with a mixture of opportunism and good play to take a 4-0 lead as the quarter drew to a close. Some good saves from Lucca kept us in the game and a very accurate watch on the Mellor ref ruled out a great fast break goal. Second quarter started better with some quick thinking from Matty and fast hands from Lucas to get the first timperley goal. The defence were starting to settle down and Will the colossus was starting to get a grip of the Mellor attack. Mellor got to 5-1 before a great move running the full length of the pitch involving Will, George, Tom and eventually Kuba to score 5-2. Zach was tireless chasing down and retrieving some wayward shots to ensure we retained possession. Half time presented Mark with the opportunity to educate and inspire in equal measure with a rousing Churchillian speech. The third quarter saw timperley frustrate Mellor with more great defending from the versatile Finn and battling Nathan in his best performance in the blue and white shirt. George is growing with every game and some great runs and tireless work helped bring timperley back into the game. Bruce and Lucas both worked tirelessly and their athleticism started to make a difference, yet Mellor sneaked 2 well worked goals to take a 7-2 lead before the mellor ref’s watch alerted him to another timperley fast break - blowing just as Matty was winding up a shot. The 4th quarter saw timperley finally awake and clearing from defence was much improved.
A quick Mellor goal, as Lucca was sucked into some last ditch defending, was followed by more excellent defensive work by Will, Nathan and Finn. Matty started the fight back with a great individual run and finish, which was followed soon after with a great pass from Tom to Kuba to get his second of the game. Timperley were piling on the pressure now and an interception from the keeper saw Kuba get his hat-trick. 8-5 could we pull it back? Goals were traded, with Tom taking another interception from the Mellor keeper and following with a smart finish to keep us in touch at 9-6. Unfortunately a break away goal got Mellor to 10-6 before Kuba rounded off the day with a late consolation. Final score 10-7. A couple more espressos in the morning and a bit of practice on grassy ground balls and getting the ball up the pitch could have seen timperley take this match... Great attitude from all the boys to keep going for the whole game.