Boston 10 Mellish 15

Lady luck failed to shine on Boston in their opening fixture of the new campaign against one of the favourites for honours this season.

For despite dominating in terms of possession and territory for long periods of the game, a late converted try during the visitor's only period of pressure in the second half, meant that Mellish took the points back to Nottingham.

It was a cruel blow for a youthful Boston side which had to be reshaped earlier in the week following news of an injury to skipper Richard Justice, and then again before kick-off due to work commitments.

But Boston were undeterred and produced a determined and energetic performance that seemed likely to be enough to win the game when the Blue and Whites went 10-8 ahead with time running out at the end of an exhausting game played in hot sunshine.

But it was not to be as Mellish summoned up the energy for one last raid. They won the ball in the scrum and created enough space to dive over and score. The conversion from a difficult angle rubbed salt into the wound for Boston.

A final flurry from the home side came to nothing but every Boston player left the field knowing they had given everything for the cause and on another day victory would have been theirs.

The early signs were good for Boston and it came as no surprise when Mellish gave away a penalty under pressure and Jonny Pain stepped up to score.

Mellish responded immediately and it was soon Boston's turn to give away a penalty which the visitors converted to level the scores.

The visitors sensed an opportunity to take control of the game and probably would have done but for some excellent defensive work and tackling particularly from winger Perry Cumber.

Boston made a tactical change when Anthony Buckberry came on to strengthen the forwards and although the home side were holding the visitors they were finding it difficult to create chances of their own.

Just before the break the pressure told and Mellish scored to go in at half time 8-3 ahead.

Boston made a second change when Alex Kemp took over from Steve Loveley and whatever was said in the team talk certainly seemed to work as Boston enjoyed their best period of the game.

The reward came at the end of a flowing move which left Jake Brooks in the clear to score under the posts.

Pain added the conversion to put Boston back in front.

And Boston had a great chance to go two scores ahead when Brooks again broke clear. He appeared to have the line at his mercy when he unselfishly passed and with that the danger had passed.

It was perhaps the bit of luck Mellish needed and it gave them the heart to put together their only passage of pressure in the half.

They made it tell, scored their try and then hung on to claim victory.

Boston will play much worse than this during the season and win and should take heart from an excellent team performance.

Boston: Allen, Dowse, Butcher, Lane, Eldin, Linnell, Miles, Loveley, T. Kemp, Smith, Cumber, J. Brooks, Pain, Sharman, T. Brooks. Replacements: Buckberry, Cleaver, A. Kemp