Mannerians.............36

Melbourne..............12

(At Chesterfield RFC)

The culmination of the most successful season in Mannerians’ 80-year history came in clinching the double by securing the Derbyshire Shield at Chesterfield.

It certainly wasn’t their best performance of the season, but given the incredible heat and Melbourne’s spirited effort it was creditable nonetheless.

In replicating North Derbyshire’s start in the semi-final, Melbourne made the early running with passion and aggression while Bakewell were still basking in their second XV’s victory glow and pondering the attractions of an industrial quantity of cider.

Belying their league status, the South Derbyshire outfit opened the scoring as they capitalised on some uncharacteristically slack Mannerian defence.

Mannerians struck back with a try by Henry Bagshawe, the rampant number eight bursting through after confident handling by Tom Moroney and Jack Duncan.

Skipper Ed Hutchinson converted before Mannerians took the lead via a score from his weaselish brother, George.

The remainder of the half saw Mannerians forced to defend, which they did well, with strong tackles being put in notably by Peter Fearn and David Greagsby.

Melbourne started the second half as they had started the first, all bustle, fire and brimstone, while Mannerians topped up their tans.

An effective rolling maul brought Melbourne deep into Bakewell territory, and again they crashed over for a converted try – which brought Hutchinson’s men to their senses.

As coach Chris Weeks had predicted, once Mannerians had weathered the Melbourne storm their opponents would not be able to cope with the stylish Bakewell side’s pace and fitness.

Max Crampton and Denzil Bowyer – on for the injured Tom Moroney – scampered about in the May sunshine, and Bagshawe looked to be over for two more scores only to be taken roughly from behind by inspired Melbourne tackling.

The skipper nudged his side into the lead with a well-struck penalty before The Weasel ploughed in for his second try of the day following good lineout work by Tom Spencer and Dan Driscoll.

Mannerians were now stretching Melbourne in every direction; the scrum was increasing in dominance, the rucking became more vigorous and the backs began running some exquisite lines.

The constant threat of Alex Graham’s breaks from full back and the mazy running of Peter Carr – coupled with dainty scrum half Chris Westwood’s quick service – meant that only huge commitment from Melbourne’s defence was keeping Mannerians from a plethora of scores.

But scores were bound to come, and after a good forward drive Bagshawe sped away, finding support in the shape of Rob Wells.

Wells drew the defence before putting centre partner Bill Moroney into space.