Melbourne welcomed Peterborough to Derbyshire on a dry, windy Saturday afternoon. The match was once again hosted at University of Derby with Cockshut Lane still suffering from waterlogged pitches.

The starting fifteen saw several changes once again as the entire front row of Walker, Goddard and Day returned. The second row pairing was also changed from last week with Morris Hall and Scot Whiteford coming into the pack. The backrow was the only unchanged feature with Martin, Iliffe and Warren making up the eight. In the backline, George Dickinson shifted to wing with Charlie Livesey making his first start of the season at outside centre.

Melbourne started brightly once again. Similarly to last week the green and gold dominated the early stages of the match as their physicality and intensity took firm control. Unfortunately, it was a game where the officials whistle threatened to be the most notable feature of the game as he stamped his authority on the game. That said, Melbourne needed to react and adapt but with twenty minutes played the hosts found themselves reduced to fourteen as the referee punished an alleged trip, Tighthead Prop Day sent to the bin. Within two minutes of this decision, the referee once again blew his whistle and issued yet another yellow card for a player going off his feet. Melbourne were down to thirteen, with No.8 Tom Warren added to the naughty step. Down two forwards Peterborough targeted the scrum and set piece in attempt to make the numbers count. They didn't find it too easy though and Melbourne's defence stood strong, it was however only a matter of time before they made the extra numbers count and they soon had their first try.

The visitors were vociferous in their self praise and whooped and cheered, but this was short lived. Despite the numbers disadvantage Melbourne rallied and some excellent carrying by the ever impressive Jack Pearce and Charlie Livesey saw the latter breach the visitors defence with ease and turn the covering defenders inside out before dotting down left of the posts for Melbourne's first try.

The match was finely balanced with both sides having their moments and exchanging penalties and a tries. Peterborough began to edge ahead through their short driving game only to be pulled back by Melbourne's greater skillset and intensity. Devon Iliffe scoring Melbourne's second try as he rampaged through the defensive line and drove to the line.

The score to'd and fro'd as penalties began to have a greater affect on the match. Melbourne added a drop goal to their scoreline with a well worked series of carries and it looked to be enough to the settle the game as Melbourne began to edge the match taking a 26 - 24 lead.

Two moments of controversy followed as Melbourne ,with 12 minutes left on the clock, were punished for a high tackle. With the receiving player dipping into contact and a "seatbelt" tackle the resultant offence. This wasn't seen as a harsh decision but was something that hadn't been consistently applied to the game and once again the green and gold were a man down.

Melbourne held firm and kept playing rugby during this period until they were back up to fifteen. The hardwork was not rewarded however as with the last of the match the visitors set up short carries on the far right of the pitch. Sure enough the whistle blew and the final decision was a penalty for not rolling, with the last kick of the match Peterborough had clinched the win.

It was a great game of rugby that was full of entertainment when the teams were able to play, the two sides battled hard. Melbourne can take great confidence from their display and with the standards being set and performances delivered, it is clear that results will come.

Trys - Devon Iliffe, Charlie Livesey.
Drop Goal - Euan Holden
2 conversion, 3 penalites - Sam Hancock
YC - Tony Day, Tom Warren, Devon Iliffe