Sunday, 23rd February saw our first competitive match in a long time (due to the recent poor weather) deliver a strong performance against Loughborough RFC.

Over 40 minutes of rugby the boys scored 5 tries (actually crossing the line 8 times as 3 tries were correctly disallowed; one grounded short due to confusing 22 flags (soon removed), one dropped just before grounding and one held up right at the final whistle). Despite their hard fought performance Loughborough scored only once, grounding the ball after a fine solo effort.

The passion and intensity amongst the Melbourne boys was fantastic and a mixing up of positions allowed several Melbourne players to make their match debuts in new roles; Thomas ‘Watto’ Watson at Prop, Alex Hubbard at Prop, Archie ‘Animal’ Vanes at Hooker and Thomas ‘Mighty Wrighty’ at Scrum Half – all putting in strong performances against a physical and forwards dominated team – well done boys for stepping up.

Defensively all players contributed fully across the team. Our line speed was good and physically we were much improved in the tackle and at the breakdown, frustrating Loughborough crash-ball (so effective last time we played them at Chellaston), winning turnover ball and even occasionally forcing a penalty. Of particular note was the way our players didn’t panic when under pressure, calmly handling attacks near our try line, forcing the turnover then running the ball forwards in phases before releasing backs to counter attack.

In attack Melbourne were back to their clinical best. All players again playing their part; forwards handling the set pieces well, all players hitting breakdowns as required to secure the ball, scrum half’s moving the ball away quickly and fly half’s then moving the ball accurately through center hands to unleash the wings to great effect.

Well done boys - your supporters and coaches left Loughborough feeling very proud of you all.

And finally a big thank you to Loughborough for the warm welcome, refereeing, enjoyable rugby and post-match food for the players that contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable morning.