Melbourne lose but secure a bonus point

Conditions - heavy rain wind and heavy rain

Ashbourne arrived at Cockshut at the same time as ‘’Abigail’’ for a league game. Kev Iliffe of Veteran Fire Services sponsored the match ball. The weather was horrendous with wind and constant rain, but to their credit, both sides showed great skills with their handling in difficult conditions. Euan Holden returning from injury kicked an early penalty after Melbourne dominated the early stages. Ashbourne hit back with a converted Try to lead 3-7. Jack Pearce scored off a driving maul from a lineout just before half time for a 8-7 half time lead. Ashbourne retook the lead early in the second half with a converted Try before a penalty extended it. Melbourne pushed hard but could not find the Try needed to narrow the gap with errors costing them at times and Ashbourne’s scrum constantly putting Melbourne under pressure. Melbourne were awarded a penalty on 77mins and Euan slotted it from 40m to see the final score at 11-17, but crucially a losing bonus point.