Resolute Melbourne Earn Bonus Point at Battle of Bromsgrove

Melbourne shot across to the Midlands to face third placed Bromsgrove on a damp and dreary Saturday afternoon. Bromsgrove's set-up was impressive and their warm welcome was much appreciated by the travelling support and players.

Melbourne had shuffled their squad from previous weeks, Gary Lakin came into tight head with Joe Nicholson and Morris Hall making up the second row whilst in the backline Melbourne welcomed Andy Martin and Sam Hanock back onto the wings. The bench was made up of Mark Coyne, Jack Pearce and senior debutant Chris Rudkin.

Bromsgrove, and specifically their forwards, were big. Very big.

The first minutes of the match were to be representative of the whole game as both sides tried to gain ascendency. Melbourne had the kick and applied pressure to the Bromsgrove receiver. The home side applied pressure through their forwards with direct carries and quick offloads as they attempted to get behind Melbourne but it was the visitors whose defence stood resolute and thwarted what the home side threw at them. Melbourne edged the scrum and Bromsgrove the lineout. With ball in hand, Melbourne regularly threatened the visitors defensive line and soon had the opportunity to take a 3 point lead as a penalty was awarded by the official. Holden's strike narrowly missed as it bounced off the inside of the post and into the home 22.

Shortly after a penalty came the way of Bromsgrove central to the posts, as the referee adjudged Melbourne's 8 to have slowed the ball and obstructed the opposition. Duly converted the score was 3 - 0 Bromsgrove.

With the bruising physicality of the game and wide pitch, Melbourne made an early change and introduced Chris Rudkin to the fray. The talented youngster immediately made an impact with the rest of the pack as their scrum dominated the home side despite the obvious size difference. It was in the 23rd minute that Melbourne took control of the game as they scored the only try of the game. Superb work by inside centre Joe Livesey, saw Melbourne carry the ball deep into the home sides half. The centre was well supported by inside partner and brother Charlie and Melbourne established go forward with the pack taking on the challenge of carry the green&gold forward but it was captain Holden who crossed the line as the ball was moved out. Unfortunately the conversion could not be made. The score stood at 3 - 5 and remained as such until deep into the second half.

At half time Jack Pearce entered the second row with Nicholson moving into tighthead. With the match finely balanced and closely fought it was beginning to look like a one point game.

The second half was once again a to and from between the sides. Bromsgrove edged possession but without severely threatening Melbourne's line, whilst for the visitors the lively Joe Stuart reguarly made good yards with his evasive running and the harassing Sam Hancock was being his usual self with high work-rate chasing and pressuring the visitors at every opportunity. The hard hitting partnership of Joe and Charlie Livesey also made their presence felt on several occasions with a well balanced display throughout the game. It was the decision making at times which saw the home side edge the advantage and sure enough their decision to simplify their game saw a penalty awarded inside the Melbourne half for a player being adjudged to go off his feet in the ruck. The home side struck the penalty well and the score swung in favour of Bromsgrove 6 - 5.

The remainder of the game was played out. Bromsgrove tried to find an extra gear through the sizeable forwards but Melbourne continued to harry and thwart the opposition.

As the final whistle sounded, despite the low scoreline, a fine game of rugby had been played and in good spirits with both teams trying to move the ball and at the same time knowing that the exchanges in the pack were critical. Melbourne's doggedness and determination was admirable and a bonus point was small consolation for the work and efforts put into the match. To a man the green&gold did themselves proud the small margins are getting smaller and Melbourne are moving in a positive direction.

The match will also be remembered for a fine senior debut from 18 year old Chris Rudkin. Never phased by the occasion and contributing to the cause with real positivity. Well done Beefy.

MoTM - Harry Stephenson