Melbourne secure bonus point win

The final home game saw the arrival of Loughborough in a match sponsored by Stauntin Herald Nurseries. Melbourne were much changed again with Devon Iliffe, Joe Sturat and Jack Pearce all starting, Jack in the back row. Loughborough had the early pressure but Melbourne held firm. After 6 minutes Devon made a good break to win a penalty which Euan kicked to touch. From the lineout, the now familiar Michael Lowery training move of catch and drive started and Watty was driven over for a Try, fantastically converted by Euan Holden. 7-0. An error from the kick saw a sustained 10 minutes of pressure from Loughborough who scored 2 penalties 7-6. Melbourne fought their way back into the game with strong running from Watty, Rob Foster, Dale Bilson, Gary Lakin and Jack Fisher. After 20 minutes Melbourne scored from the oldest move they have. A midfield scrum on the half way saw Watty pop the ball to Pagey, who dummied the wing, drew the fullback and popped a simple pass to Rob Foster to score. 12-6
More pressure saw a 5 metre scrum after a lineout and Dale scored in the corner. 17-6.
Watty ran strong again, narrowly failing to find Jack Pearce.
On the stroke of half time, Pagey took a quick tsp on the Melbourne 22, Dale made good ground up the wing finding Watty on the inside who passed back out to the supporting Jack Fisher who raced up the touchline to score. Euans conversion attempt hit the crossbar 22-6 at half time.
Immediately on the restart, Al Judge was yellow carded after being kicked in the face? Loughborough were more determined in the second half and despite the wind Melbourne did not have it all their own way. Loughborough scored from a quick penalty after 45 minutes 22-11. Euan increased the lead with a penalty after 51 minutes. Melbourne conceded a penalty soon after only for Loughborough to knock on and Euan cleared to the corner which came to nothing. The Loughborough 7 made a great break up the middle and had a one-on-one with the 17 year old Devon who nailed him in the tackle. Gary Lakin and Jack Pearce both made try saving tackles. Melbourne were still running strong without being able to get the final pass away. After 66 minutes another break involving Fish, Devon and Rob who got late tackled after his kick (the Loughborough player receiving a yellow card) saw a lineout in the corner. The Lowery catch and drive worked again with Joe Stuart being driven over with Euan converting 32-11. Melbourne just need Michael Lowery to score from his move now.
Watty had come off by now with a hole in his chin and a bad shoulder, Jake Walker did his shoulder too and Ian Masters was on. Loughborough were strong in the last 10 minutes scoring a converted try to make the score 32-18. Devon was yellow carded and the walking wounded included bandaged Rob Foster and Ian Masters after a clash of heads. Suppose it stopped Masters giving away a penalty.
A great performance from all in a much changed side again avenged the early season defeat and shows Melbourne really can compete at this level. Ian Master MOTM – Gary Lakin