Discipline & Decision Making Dilemma's

The Beast from the East and Pest from the West have led to four or five weeks without a match for Melbourne. Saturday saw the green and gold travel to Camphill RFC a stones throw from Solihull, in what was a tough, cold and muddy away day.

The weather hadn't settled and it was combination of a typical sunny spring day and deepest winter with snow blizzards and temperatures below -3oC.

The squad was shuffled around with Day coming to tighthead, Purce and Pearce as the second row partnership. Fisher slotted back into stand-off with Holden moved to inside centre and Joe Livesey moving to fullback. The bench welcomed Jordan Goddard and Devon Iliffe back into action with Andy Martin taking the third spot.

As the game got underway it was immediately clear that Melbourne were in for long day. Within the space of 2 minutes of play the green and gold were penalised by the whistle happy referee and allowed Camphill to take a 3 - 0 lead. Immediately from the restart Joe Livesey gathered a deep kick and countered jinking his way through the majority of the Camphill defence at pace until the covering tackle of the home sides fullback cut short his run, only for Joe to offload out of the tackle to supporting brother Charlie whom stormed over the tryline left of the posts. The score was not converted against a strong wind 3 - 5.

The next 35 minutes were to be Melbourne's ultimate downfall as they battled not only the poor weather but the officials decisions and interpretation of the game. Within the space of 7 minutes Melbourne not only conceded a further three points but conceded four quick penalties and when a fifth came along the referee awarded a yellow card for Melbourne's No.8. This was awarded for not releasing a player despite the official calling maul. Despite the puzzling decisions Melbourne didn't help themselves and when the weather moved into blizzard conditions the pitch and play became a game of attrition with the big Camphill forwards making the extra forward count with. a maul for a unconverted score and a second try four minutes later. This took the score to 18 -5 and the half time whistle was soon blown.

Key improvements were identified and echoed amongst the players in the half time talk, maintain discipline and patience in our play.

As Melbourne entered the second half Iliffe had been brought into the backrow and Goddard into hooker, Martin was switched for Stuart. The first action saw yet another yellow for Melbourne as Charlie Livesey was accused of a deliberate knock on despite the flight of the ball being upwards rather than down to ground, this also gave the home side another three points - the last of their's.

Despite being reduced to fourteen men, the green and gold dug deep and showed togetherness and spirit. It was Jack Pearce who roused the supporters and team mates as he latched onto the ball from Page and hit the inside channel hard sprinting through the home side defence and dotting down under the posts for a converted score. 21 - 12

Melbourne were controlling their game better despite only a small amount of possession due to the succession of penalties. It was an excellent kick chase that Melbourne claimed their third try, Hancock chased down the ball and opposition with the ball turnover over by the green and gold. A series of pick and goes saw Goddard score his second try in two games. This was converted from wide right and brought Melbourne right back into the game 21 -19.

It was another contentious decision that saw backrow Nightingale red carded for a tip tackle, despite the player landing on his back and shoulder. This was precluded by a scuffle which could have seen further cards issued but the only outcome was Melbourne once again being reduced to fourteen men. Camp hill were roused and attempted to build upon their score but could not breach some excellent defence by Melbourne.

Despite their best efforts Melbourne couldn't find further opportunity to score and with time elapsed Camp hill kicked the ball out and claimed the win.

Congratulations to Camphill who battled hard and played well. Nothing should be taken away from them. Melbourne had a hard day at the office. We were rusty that much was obvious but not an excuse. More worryingly seventeen penalties against ourselves, playing with fourteen men for essentially a full half meant that the task was always going to tough. The players acquitted themselves as best they could and there is heart in the fact we gained a loosing bonus point and denied the home side a try bonus point too.

MOTM - Joe Livesey for an creative yet industrious display and resilient performance from the back.