Over the last couple of seasons it would be fair to say Newark have been a thorn in the away form for the Green & Gold. In fairness there were probably mitigating reasons and Newark themselves are a very difficult side to weigh up anyway.
They spring players from all quarters. Home players but being such a huge Rugby Club it is the nature of the beast.
The Green Blazers were out in force and being wined and dined exceptionally well by an enthusiastic but superbly hospitable Newark congregation. A truly fantastic club top to bottom and one that always values the ethics of the great game
This was readily amplified to the throng following some exchanges between the brethren & a recent official. Of course the oratory was correct but as we know it’s an emotional old game at times and rose coloured specs often dictate the narrative.
This scriber is sometimes no different and it seems one or two of the large stand based gathering held similar views at times.
That said, the general consensus was that this official was very decent.
Decent is a word that was contradicted with the word, errant in the Melbourne first half performance.
Multi handling errors and failed opportunities were accumulating but amongst them were some magnificent plays. The improving Turton first to score in what is becoming a traditional rolling maul and converted by Worley to offer the visitors a seven point lead. The attacking intent was there on numerous occasions but fell short in similar fashion but this Melbourne side has learned to cope with these simple indiscretions. It simply doesn’t worry the lads as they have Plan B plus something these days.
Given the force of the westerly that was bending the nearby poplars we were going to need it. I think the most ardent Green & Gold supporter would be hard to convince it was anything other than sloppy and Newark capitalised with a fast move through the phases culminating in the winger darting over. The scene was set and the gauntlet thrown down.
The conversion was missed and it looked like a tricky afternoon was in store. That was cast aside though with two tries of great craft. Firstly the impressive Euan North barging through as follow up to quick thinking but the ever reliable Page and resulting in a further two points but the play of the match with a quite brilliant opportunist score from Ollie himself as he caught and errant line out overthrow and paced straight past the home winger to touchdown. This time the conversion was missed. I was wondering whether that may come back to haunt the team. Not that Josh was to blame as his kicking is excellent but because the onslaught that was surely predicated for the second half was forthcoming.
19-5 in Melbourne's favour soon became 19-12 as a series of home thrusts with their dominant set piece gave them momentum. Melbourne were up against it. Changes were made and impact made just before a missed penalty from Newark and a series of good handling by the visitors gave an opportunity which was held up over the line.
One of the more bizarre laws I feel as a side under immense pressure get a ‘get out of jail’ kick. With the wind behind it becomes even more ludicrous but with Joe North now switched to wing, a multi phase move ended with him brilliantly powering through two tacklers and running 40-yards to touch down. The reliable Worley converting and giving some much needed space. On the other wing Tyler Miller-Pickering was enjoying a quite splendid game weaving his magic and creating ‘go forward’.
Not to be outdone the Homeside pushed hard and forced the Green & Gold into a number of infringements which they were lucky in truth not to be carded but it did yield a converted score under the posts.
Time running thin but Newark were plucky and another drive deep into Melbourne 5m line eventually took its toll and an excellent try in the corner.
The conversion was missed!
24-26 then came 24-29 as Melbourne gathered themselves and drove through the midfield and Josh Worley confidently converted a tricky penalty against the strong breeze.
And there is where we started - Actions do sometimes speak louder than words. The sheer joy and elation of the visiting team suggested the lads KNEW they kind of got away with one.
At least that’s how I saw it. The game at home next Friday under Lights now becomes massive in its own right. With the top two playing each other it will give Melbourne a platform many of us probably didn’t consider at the season’s start.
This is a good side. A together side and one that is still developing. Games like these were being lost a few seasons back and in some ways it shows true fortitude and good game management. Someone is going to get a hiding when it actually all clicks.
One of the more bizarre laws I feel as a side under immense pressure get a ‘get out of jail’ kick. With the wind behind it becomes even more ludicrous but with Joe North now switched to wing, a multi phase move ended with him brilliantly powering through two tacklers and running 40-yards to touch down. The reliable Worley converting and giving some much needed space. On the other wing Tyler Miller-Pickering was enjoying a quite splendid game weaving his magic and creating ‘go forward’.
Not to be outdone the home side pushed hard and forced the Green & Gold into a number of infringements which they were lucky in truth not to be carded but it did yield a converted score under the posts.
Time running thin but Newark were plucky and another drive deep into Melbourne 5m line eventually took its toll and an excellent try in the corner.
The conversion was missed!
24-26 then came 24-29 as Melbourne gathered themselves and drove through the midfield and Josh Worley confidently converted a tricky penalty against the strong breeze.
And there is where we started - Actions do sometimes speak louder than words. The sheer joy and elation of the visiting team suggested the lads KNEW they kind of got away with one.

At least that’s how I saw it. The game at home next Friday under Lights now becomes massive in its own right. With the top two playing each other it will give Melbourne a platform many of us probably didn’t consider at the season’s start.
This is a good side. A together side and one that is still developing. Games like these were being lost a few seasons back and in some ways it shows true fortitude and good game management. Someone is going to get a hiding when it actually all clicks.