Melbourne beat Matlock

Melbourne welcomed recently relegated Matlock to Cockshut Lane for the season opener and the grand unveiling of our new home – Melbourne MSP. Knowing that the green and gold barmy army were hosting one of the league favourites was a great opportunity for the lads, although the tag line of underdogs had been heard once or twice, we wished to really embrace the challenge and create a bit of history - having never previously beaten Matlock.

The boys were in a buoyant mood spurred on by the prospect of having cold beer waiting upstairs on tap for their efforts on the battlefield. Matlock turned up and sure to perception looked something like a cross between the GQ Models and Mr Universe – in other words physically fit and strong too boot.

The grass had been cut, the lines marked and the posts painted – although no-one had to go up the ladder or in the cherry picker this time round - all we needed was some sunshine to complete the perfect picture…sadly it was damp and overcast.

Making their first team debuts were Alex Nightingale and James Lockhart as well as the welcome return of Matt Smith, Tom Lowery and Mike Lowery who had been absent from last season’s endeavours.

In the first half Matlock had the lion’s share of possession but multiple infringements meant they kept themselves on the wrong end of the referee’s naughty list. The opposition were obviously feeling a little threatened by the free flowing rugby Melbourne presented and dealt out numerous high tackles which were being wrapped around the shoulder, necks and heads of the Melbourne players. Never one to be perturbed by a challenge Melbourne rolled up the sleeves and slogged out the first half absorbing what Matlock could throw at them whilst playing some ‘nice’ rugby ourselves.

The first twenty minutes was a fairly tight affair but it was clear that Matlock were asserting their authority. The visitors were enjoying good possession but disciplined defence meant little could be executed. Ben – Morgan – Buchell and Alex – Chooper – Nightingale led from the front, their extraordinary work rate round the park was sublime. Page and Holden were constant nuisances regularly testing the Matlock defence and raining kicks down on the back three.

On 22 minutes Matlock managed a score breaking the deadlock.

The visitors didn’t have to wait long for another score – even if it was a tad fortunate. Pressing on the edge of the Melbourne 22, Jack – Ripper – Pearce managed to dislodge the ball from the hands of the Matlock backs, if only he had seen it land behind him Melbourne would have turned over possession, instead a bobbling ball was gathered up by Matlock who continued to press. Melbourne were unlucky not to be awarded the turn over moments later when Mog – Pocock – Hall attempted to bind onto the ball of the tackled player, as is the rub of the green he got heavily cleared out to allow Matlock to continue on and they burst through a gap to touch down to give a 0-14 lead.

A tactical change by the Melbourne saw the early introduction of Joe Nicholson and Matt Smith. Melbourne, put the bit between their teeth and began to stamp their own mark on the game. Despite the score line the game was well balanced and both teams were well structured and playing good rugby. Justly, on 25 minutes the Matlock fly-half was shown a yellow for what appeared to be one of several high tackles on a players. Melbourne seized the opportunity to continue to press Matlock back in their half. With Matlock back up to 15 Melbourne continued to snarl and snipe, and a resulting penalty which was kicked to touch led to a line out. This allowed the ever present Dan – Waldrom – Walker to score, superbly converted by Holden.

Half time 7-14

The half time chat was short and sweet. Melbourne introduced the formidable James Lockhart who added much great physicality and energy to the team. This may have been the boost the boys needed as they started the second half much the same as they ended, asserting themselves in attack – with Jack Pearce and James Lockhart making excellent carries through the heart of the Matlock defence. There were moments of brilliance including a superb try where winger Tom Lowery finished a superb movement through the backline following great vision from Holden.

On 55minutes Coyne and Day were introduced and the fresh legs and attitude was exemplary leading the way with strong carries and big tackles. The captain continued to punish the ill-discipline of Matlock converting to further penalties with a steely precision that Owen Farrell would have been proud of.

Knowing only a converted try would do Matlock opted to kick to touch from a penalty and in their final play executed a catch and drive which included their three-quarters joining in the maul. Much to the delight of the home crowd the referee awarded Melbourne the penalty following excellent defence that the 1990s Arsenal team would have been proud of – Pandemonium and ecstasy followed along with the odd beer.

MOTM Alex Nightingale