Week 9 saw Melbourne travel to Newark and come away with a bonus point 22-3 win with the 4th Try coming in the last minute. Newark provided a firm test for Melbourne in front of a large partisan crowd but Melbourne's defensive line held firm throughout.

Onto the other fixtures.

With the wet morning weather, most games were pretty tight affairs

We both got the Ashby game wrong and Ashby will be buoyed with the win over 2nd placed Market Rasen. Sources close to Ashby reported that Ashby were overjoyed with the win, punishing a slightly understrength Market Rasen side. Ashby did miss out in the try bonus point

We agreed on Lincoln wins and Dronfield wins. Both games were tight with both Southwell (7-13) and Loughborough (16-23) picking up bonus points. Lincoln will be glad to finally win away from home. No try bonus point for Dronfield though.

The games we differed on saw Matt gain a point back. Ashbourne prevailed at home over Matlock 25-19. A Try bonus point for Ashbourne and a losing bonus point for Matlock.

The final game saw neither of us gain. Ilkeston and Long Eaton resumed battle and the game ending in an 18-18 draw. Ilkeston's second draw this season and 2 points for each side.

So the table sees Melbourne stretch their lead to 10 points and still unbeaten. 2 local Derbys in the next 2 weeks before the Christmas break. Market Rasen remain second and Ashbourne have moved up to 3rd. 7 points seperate 3rd-10th . Southwell are still rock bottom looking for their first win.

Week 10 preview on Friday.

Melbourne host Ashbourne KO 2.15