MELKSHAM got the better of a low-scoring contest with Minety, played in heavy rain.

The weather conditions hampered both teams' ability to handle the ball and the game was a dogged battle throughout, with the home pack getting the upper hand in the first half before Minety’s were in the ascendancy in the second.

Melksham captain Callum Hurn said: “It was a tough game with a strong performance from Minety, testing our defence. We held them out and took the points where we could.

“Although it was a tight score, we kept control but left a few tries out there.”

Melksham struggled to get their running game into gear, with the final pass often going to ground when the try line beckoned.

The only points came from the boot of scrum-half Callum Hurn as he twice split the posts with penalty kicks, Minety reciprocated as the sides were level at 6-6 at half-time.

The home team raised the tempo in the second half but still failed to turn the renewed pressure into points, while a strong defensive effort kept the strengthening Minety forwards at bay.

The ebb and flow of the game continued until Scott Simmons slotted a penalty in the closing stages to put Melksham ahead, and that turned out to be the decisive action.

Hooker Aaron Brailey was named man of the match.