With 22 players remaining unavailable through injury or absence Melbourne were forced into changes yet again. However, the depth developing in the squad with the addition of experience and youth in the form of new arrivals and promoted colts meant a strong 18 could be named and real edge was felt during the warm-up.

Stringer returned to the centre partnering new arrival Ed Ashton, whose performance in the stags had been promoted to the senior coaching set-up. Jake Ballington, Will Cresswell and an Cox from last season’s colts were also present and a re-shuffle saw Cox move from backrow to wing.

On paper Casuals were the favourite for this match off two big wins which saw them sitting pretty in the league after the first couple of weeks. It was clear that the visitors had students aplenty in their ranks.

The game was played in great spirit in both a feisty yet well disciplined affair. Melbourne started well imposing themselves on the visitors and controlling the game. Casuals stand-off, as expected, distributed well and kicked to corners to dissipate pressure. Melbourne were aware of having to go about the basics well in terms of both defence and attack.

Melbourne had seen the lion’s share of possession with impressive runs from Strings, Nugget and Bobby. However, both sides defence had stood well up to this point. Snowy controlled the pace of the game well, with some neat kicks too.

On 35 minutes Casuals got scored the first points of the game which appeared to involve a dubious forward pass – but with no TMO – it was awarded but not converted.

Minutes later Casuals infringed at the breakdown and Melbourne responded with a penalty.

Half time 5-3

Melbourne started the better of the two sides in the second half culminating in another penalty which De Vies taking the scores to 6 -5.

Shortly after, following further pressure by Melbourne, the best piece of play (of the entire game) was saw Melbourne attack Nottingham directly with superb play between the stand-off and centers leading to Stringer scoring and De Vies converting. 13 -5

Casuals responded with 10 mins of concerted effort leading to an overlap out wide following good play in the midfield which was converted. 13-12

Casuals then pressed Melbourne hard who gave away a soft penalty which Casuals took 3 points from, to go 15-13 up. Following a quick chat Melbourne knew that there was still time to press for the win having led the game for so long and they upped the pace and intensity once more dominating the breakdown and possession.

With 1 minute to go Casuals gave Melbourne a free uncontested line out on 22, which Melbourne drove on, getting a penalty advantage. Melbourne spread the ball looking for the try but Casuals deliberately knocked it on. De Vies stepped up to convert the kick on the final
whistle to win 16-15.

This was a well rounded performance and saw the team play for the full 80mins not conceding themselves to defeat but battling to take the game back when it appeared to have been plucked from them.

The coaches were proud of the performance and resilience shown. Onwards and upwards for the Green Brigade!