Melbourne battle Bromsgrove all the way.

Melbourne welcomed lat seasons National 3 SW side Bromsgrove to Cockshut Lane on the weekend of storm "Brian". For Bromsgrove it was a short 70 mile journey compared to their previous season which had seem them travel to the Deep South in the form of Cornwall and the likes of.

It was a blustery but dry day. A strong head wind was bound to influence the kicking game of both sides and following the toss Bromsgrove opted to play with the wind first half and Melbourne received the kick.

A late change to the squad saw Andy Martin come onto the wing and Devon Iliffe move to fullback with Sam Hancock taking a place on the bench. Further changes saw Walker move to loose head and Mat Smith come into hooker.

From initial observations Bromsgrove were a well drilled and physical side with size throughout the pack and backline. High on confidence with five from five wins Melbourne new it would be a tough day at the office. The green and golds started positively and Bromsgrove conceded early yards as Melbourne exhibited some strong carrying and phase play. Melbourne appeared to have the upper hand in the lineout and scrum - although some odd calls on the binding, or lack of, by the Bromsgrove tighthead should have seen a couple of penalties awarded to the green&gold in the first quarter.

It was from a scrum and in the midst of strong possession Melbourne witnessed why its important to execute under pressure as the referee adjudged Melbourne to have collapsed a scrum despite having upper hand and ball at the back of the set piece. From the resulting penalty Bromsgrove executed a sharp backline attack as they swept through the Melbourne defence by creating an overlap on the far right and giving them an early 0 - 7 lead and having had to do very little to earn the score.

Melbourne sought to rectify the situation, continuing to apply pressure to the Bromsgrove defence which was well drilled and had an excellent work-rate. Some feisty encounters saw the Bromsgrove second row throw a punch at backrow Chris Purce resulting in the flanker having to be withdrawn and replaced by Al Judge - with the player lucky to escape any consequence to his action (a familiar theme).

Bromsgroves physicality was being matched and surpassed at stages by Melbourne but a quick turnover and exploitation of space saw excellent exchange of passes for Bromsgrove to sweep into a 14-0 lead.

Melbourne knew they had to get on the scoreboard and up their defensive work-rate as they were gaining nothing for their possession and efforts. From a line-out Melbourne played out the phases and took the ball into Bromsgrove's 22. Strong carriers saw the green&gold edge towards the line and a sharp pick and go saw a space open for Oliver Page to dart through the fringe defence and score left of the posts. 14 - 7

Both sides battled for further advantage as the half played out but the defences prevailed and the score remained as was.

The second half saw Nightingale introduced to the backrow who had immediate impact with some excellent physical exchanges at the breakdown and was a nuisance to the opposition. Hancock took over form Martin on the wing and Melbourne started brightly dominating the forward exchanges but it was Bromsgrove's backline and backrow that essentially made the difference taking the whites lead to 26 - 7 despite the possession statistics and majority of exchanges being well balanced.

Melbourne continued to have good possession and used the advantage of the wind in the second half, pinning Bromsgrove back for long periods. Despite the scoreline Melbourne never looked out of depth or place and they continued to battle. The feisty encountered saw Melbourne's second row removed from play with a dislocated ankle and Lockhart re-entered the play.

Melbourne's spirit and determination was was epitomised by their second score as James Lockhart soon touched down taking the points total to 26 - 12. With a yellow card issued for another punch by Bromsgrove (which should have really seen red) Melbourne took the ascendancy and played some of their best rugby of the day. Attacking with purpose and aggression they searched for a third score but with time running down the points never materialised and Melbourne were left empty handed and ultimately beaten by the better team.

The green&golds can be pleased with their performance against the top side. It was a respectable scoreline and Melbourne acquitted themselves well against one of the sternest tests they will face. With each game they play lessons are being learnt but ultimately confidence grows as they become accustomed to the level and standard of the opposition.

Melbourne's head coach, Matt Derbyshire said " 12 - 26 is a fair reflection of the match. We matched Bromsgrove in most areas - that gives us confidence - but they showed their class and why they are top, executing each and every chance they had. We wanted points from today and its disappointing not to have taken something as the boys efforts deserved that. We have Burton next and that will be another stern challenge but one we will relish and enjoy."