Melbourne entertained Southwell at Univeristy of Derby's 3G pitch for a rescheduled match following Southwell's refusal to play on the home sides boggy pitch last time round.

With both teams in the mid to high end of the table and a win taking either side of the other there was plenty to play for. A fast hard surface suited both sides and the game was played in good spirits with plenty on show.

With Southwell picking the end Melbourne fielded the kick and were soon 3 - 0 up thanks to a penalty from the captain Holden. It was clear that with a youthful backline and couple of big ball carriers Southwell looked to draw and spread but Melbourne were able to counter this well by competing initially well at the breakdown and playing the ball in behind the main defensive line.

A mazy break down the blind and some mis- tackles led to the first try of the game and it was Southwell who then took the lead.

Melbourne's lineout was functioning well and clean ball was being delivered to the backline allowing good front foot ball.

At times Melbourne executed quality kicks resulting in Melbourne dictating where the game was being played.

The game was played with real pace and zip. Excellent carries from Pearce, Nicholson, Stringer and Iliffe saw the Melbourne often beat the first couple ot defenders and get in behind the defence.

Stringer decided he didn't like the opposition ten and decided to level him with an excellently timed tackle much to the satisfaction of surrounding players.

Melbourne began to play with a good tempo and as a penalty was awarded to Melbourne quick thinking by the excellent Page saw a instinctive tap and go which resulted in an excellent try wide right, taking the score to 8 - 5.

HALF TIME

Due to illness Creswell was removed from the fray and Coyne move to hooker with Nicholson moving into the front row. Cox came into blindside flanker.

Al Judge soon got onto the scoreboard with a superb grounding following a meaty tackle by Southwell. A couple of meters out the athletic forward challenged for the line to be met with a solid contact only to reach over his head and ground the ball for Melbourne's second try of the game. A great start to the second half.

Day came off and was replaced by Smith and Hancock switched for Stuart.

With the game to'ing and fro'ing it was apt that the next score would be Southwell's (score 12 ' 13) which proceeded some puzzling decisions including a yellow card for Pearce.

A piece of individualistic skill and brilliance quickly followed however as Foster raced down the open side wing chipped over caught the ball on the bounce and stepped two defenders before cutting in to ground the ball and the score and momentum was back with Melbourne ( 20 - 12).

Despite having some good ball and territory Melbourne became inhibited by a series of decisions not the least to reduce the green's to thirteen when Morris was binned for dubiously not rolling away instantaneously it seemed.

Despite being outnumbered Melbourne were resolute in defence and wore down the wave of Southwell advances...that was until the a decision was made to award a try which appeared to be a clear knock on following excellent defensive work from Page. Unable to change decisions Melbourne were once again reduced to a points lead. With 3 minute remaining a penalty was awarded in front of Melbourne's posts for the action of not releasing (which may or may not have been arguable once again!).

Both teams played with purpose and it was an entertaining game with some real quality exhibited in patches.

In honesty, Melbourne should have been more clinical and more aggressive in the tackle and breakdown. We need to make possession and territory count. Plenty that with a bit of focus and attention at training can and will pay dividends.

A dogged and pleasing performance all in all.

Final Score 20 - 22
MoTM - Page
Tackle of the Match - Stringer
Try of the match - Foster

Yellow Cards - Pearce & Morris