Bruising Battle sees Melbourne Prevail

Melbourne took to the road in Round 9 of Midlands 2, to face a stern test in the form of Newark. A delayed kick-off of 3pm had been accepted by Melbourne as Newark hosted an impressive dinner and function at their ground.

Melbourne, having rested players during November, were able to field a strong squad for the challenge of Newark. Percival switched back to loose head, Goddard came into hooker and Lakin slotted into his usual spot of tight head prop. Benstead returned to the backrow completing a well balanced arrangement of himself, Iliffe and Warren. The backline remained unchanged with Pearce slotting back in following completion of his return to play protocol.

As always, Newark at first glance were all about size. A large pack bolstered by a young quick backline. With the whistle sounding Melbourne fielded the kick-off and very early on it was apparent that Newark were going to attempt to play to corners and use their set-piece to assert themselves early on.

Melbourne were punished on three occasions early doors for apparent off-side which was quickly resolved by the green & gold but saw Newark gifted an easy three point lead (the only points of the game for Newark).

Melbourne began to turn on the pressure and with ball in hand looked lethal, constantly making good yards and getting in behind Newark. The first score of the game came from Melbourne's own set-piece and power play as a maul was formed from a lineout on Newarks 22. The drive was good and break-off by Tom Warren saw the number eight score wide right of the posts. 3 - 5

Newark carried heavily and racked up good phases. Dogged in their defence Melbourne did not give easy yards and a turnover in their half saw full-back Joe Livesey take the ball deep into Newark territory. Recycling the ball through several phases saw the ball moved from left to right and back to wide left with Devon Iliffe finishing off fine play from the green & gold taking the score to 3 - 10.

This remained the score until half time and Melbourne could have had secured further scores with a fine try by wing Sam Hancock adjudged to have been held up and a further penalty drifting right of the posts by captain Holden.

The second half saw Melbourne firmly control the game. Both teams were reduced to 14 men as the Newark 10 received a red card for a stamp and Alec Judge and Tom Warren both receiving yellow cards in the second period.

The second half saw Jack Fisher bag a brace of tries with excellent team work freeing up the outside centre firstly in the wide left channel following up his own kick through and pressuring the defence and secondly as he took on the covering back three with a mazy strong run at the death, in the final minutes of play.

The game was highly competitive and a bruising encounter as the green & gold set out their stall from the first minute. The defensive effort was talismanic by the visitors and held at bay a strong performance and effort by Newark. Once again being decisive and clinical with their own opportunities.

No time for rest in the month of December however as further challenge awaits in the form of Ashbourne next week who had an impressive win over Matlock.

TRIES Fisher (2), Iliffe, Warren
KICKS: Holden (c)
RC/YC: Judge (YC), Warren (YC)
MOTM: Warren