Facing opposition consistently bigger than themselves, the boys turned up with a positive attitude and played with a powerful mix of physicality and skill to consistently deliver throughout the day on their way to winning the Festival Cup.

The boys opened their pool matches with a strong win against Ashbourne, quickly gaining the upper hand with a brace of quick tries sealing the game with a third just after half time. In the last few minutes of the game the lads were forced to throw everything they had into their defence as a defiant Ashbourne came looking for a consolation try; the boys defended to a man, repeatedly absorbing attacks 5 metres out from their try line, before slowly starting to drive Ashbourne backwards and eventually forcing the error that allowed them to drive the ball carrier into touch for the final whistle. Result 15-0 to Melbourne.

The second game in the pool saw the boys face the comparatively massive Loughborough. In a very hard game in which Loughborough used their size and power to good effect in the scrum and breakdown, both teams battled to a draw with Melbourne again giving everything and incurring several injuries in a performance that saw one retire to A&E (thankfully OK), and another leave the field after having his head battered and crushed under a Loughborough forward’s bottom!. Result 5-5.

The final pool game pitted the Melbourne boys against Derby’s ‘B’ squad. The lads now had the bit between their teeth knowing that the draw in the previous game could halt their progress in the competition and set about running in tries left, right and centre. Whilst the score line may look like a whitewash, all credit must be paid to the Derby squad who fought hard right through to the final whistle. Result 35-0 to Melbourne.

Having topped the pool, the lads were then pitted against a much improved and impressive Ilkeston in the semi-final. In what quickly became a very physical ‘forwards’ style opening half, neither team could gain the upper hand and the majority of play took place either side of the halfway line. Come half time, the score sat at 0-0. After a quick rotation of players to bolster the backs, the second half looked like it was going to be a repeat of the first with a couple of very physical rucks that saw the ball secured by Melbourne, before some very intelligent half-back play opened up the Ilkeston defence to release two of our wingers to score. This cut the tension with players and supporters celebrating as if the boys had won. Now the lads could taste the win and as if it was even possible given their performance up to that point upped the tempo further, again opening up Ilkeston with clever half-back play to release a forward up the wing, only to be stopped 5 metres out by a determined Ilkeston defence. As the ball was presented, to my cries of “ruck over!” and “secure the ball!”, the back arrived to hit the ruck and drive off the competing Ilkeston defence, allowing another forward to pick and go through the remaining defence to ground the ball on the line. Following this second try it was quickly full time. Result 10-0 to Melbourne.

Now, after a rest whilst the other semi-final concluded, the boys learned they would again be facing Loughborough in the final. Having been warned to maintain their focus after the tense win over Ilkeston, the lads set out to address the 5-all draw in the pool and quickly took control of the game. Although scoring opportunities were stifled by the physicality of Loughborough, the boys had the best of the possession and their first try when it came felt inevitable. The boys quickly secured their position with a second try to win, cheered on by the U10 MRFC coaches who had come over to watch the final (thanks for the support chaps and I hope your hearing has recovered!). Result 10-0 to Melbourne.

All the boys turned up with the right attitude, played with physicality and gave everything they could throughout the day in a true team effort. It was a very proud group of parents and supporters who watched them accept the trophy and their winners medals at the presentation, and very happy coaches who witnessed a technically strong performance that delivered some beautiful rugby – well done lads!