Melbourne win NLD Shield

Trys - Euan Holden, James Benstead (2), Ash Stringer (2), Charlie Livesey, Andy Martin, Joe Stuart.
4 conversion Euan
MOTM - Alex Nightingale

Melbourne put a tiring Stamford to the sword in an exciting 2nd half display of attacking rugby.

Season debut for Bancroft.

1st XV debuts for Cooke-Rogers, Stanley, Livesey and Lawson

A tight first half ended at 15-12 to Melbourne. Euan opened the scoring on with a penalty on 3 minutes before running in for a try himself, which he converted. Stamford hit back with a try. Melbourne were physically smaller than Stamford who were competitive at the breakdown. Melbourne's scrum was good and lineout good as usual. Melbourne's backs were sharp but a few passes were put down.
Benstead scored halfway through the first half, but Stamford again hit back with a converted try.

2nd half was a different affair. Playing with a slight slope and wind advantage, Euan's game management saw Stamford hardly leave their half at all. Handling errors were reduced and the Trys started coming. Ash Stringer got a brace, to stretch the lead to 29-12. Coach Matt Derbyshire then rung the changes. Centre Charlie Livesey scored with virtually his first touch. Joe Stuart and Andy Martin got in on the act before James Benstead finished off with 1 for the pack. Euan converted 3 for a 53-12 win and the NLD shield. MOTM was Alex Nightingale.