LEICESTER VIPERS THIRD XV 38 MELTON RFC THIRD XV 7
Leicester started like a steam train and ran up a 21-0 lead before Melton had mounted a serious challenge.

Their outside half's tactical kicking was superb, working off a good scrum and lineout platform despite spirited resistance from David Raine, Tony Berry and Ben Sanderson in the back row.

Melton began to front up at the rucks and mauls as Clive Watts and Peter Broughton got involved, while Ben Shouler and Paul Robinson looked safe under the high ball.

But Vipers added a fourth try stemming from infringements from the new ELV laws to lead 28-0 at half-time.

But instead of folding, Steve Kerr and Jon Hume were exceptional after the break, while the midfield trio of David Murtagh, Clay Radford and Andy McNally, stepping up from the Colts, were exceptional.

The youngsters combined well for McNally to score a marvellous try with pace and skill and promise great things for the future. The touchline conversion was landed.

Vipers hit back with a soft try down the blind side after Melton surrendered scrum ball, and in the last minute, despite great defensive play from Tony Middleton and Dave McCarthy, a strong kick found the marauding Vipers full-back who ran around the defence and touched down in the last play.