Melbourne win 8-3

Just for the Absent Morris Hall – the ground was wet, it was misty and they played on the Council pitch.

Thanks Theo De Vies for offering to write the match report but nothing was forthcoming.

Melbourne kicked off against Stamford with a few changes. Front row of Pop, Dan and Coyney, the Judges at 2nd row. Jack Pearce Lowery and Smithy back row. Rob and Euan half backs, Fish and Stringer centres, with Joe S, Theo and Karl the back 3. Matt Derbyshire finally put his name on the team sheet along with Tony and Jake W.

Melbourne kicked off, and Stamford played keep ball for a few phase. An Immediate blood replacement saw jake replace Dan for a few minutes and a melbourne scrum which resulted in Theo's first strong run before the ball was turned over.

Melbourne pressurised for 5 minutes and forced a lineout close to the line. Stamford knocked and on but from the 5m scrum Melbourne were penalised for wheeling when in complete control and pushing Stamford backwards – confusing??

Melbourne controlled the first 20 minutes, without really getting the final pass away. The Stamford defence was good during this period.

After 18 minutes, Melbourne won a penalty after Stamford went over the top and Euan kicked to lead 3-0.

Melbourne had another penalty after a late tackle but lost the lineout. Stamford came back strong and pressurised Melbourne. They had a 5m scrum only to knock on soon after. Theo took a knock and Matt Derbyshire made his debut, squeezing his frame into the largest shirt available (pictures available on the website). Matt came on in the back row, with Jack moving to the backs.

Joe Stuart made a thumping last man tackle on the Stamford centre/fullback.

Melbourne came back strongly and on 35 minutes scored a try. Rob Foster tidied up scrum ball and broke blind, grubber kicking through. Joe Stuart chased and flicked the ball inside off his toes for the Hooker Dan Walker – beating the rest of the pack (!!!) to take the ball and score in the corner. Euan missed the conversion – 8-0 – Half Time score.

The second half pattern was similar. Melbourne threatened but could not make the final pass stick. Ash Stringer was a handful making 3-4 significant line breaks. Coyney was strong rolling his way up the pitch as much as possible (he really has perfected the double tuck this season) before presenting the ball. Matt, Smithy and Lowery gelled well in the back row.

Stamford had occasional glimpses with their good 9 being behind most of them. He was checked by Melbourne to win a penalty, but Stamford opted for the kick to corner which Melbourne defended.

Fossie decided to try and catch a high ball with his chest rather than catch it (interesting referee decision with no knock-on given when perhaps it should have been), then kicked for the corner only to be late tackled (not seen either), one of 2 or 3 late hits on Rob. Stamford got all upset about this, surrounding the referee but as we all know the referee is always right – whether he is or he isn't. Rob recovered.

Matt squealed very loudly at a breakdown before playing on.

Melbourne continued to pressurise going very close only to concede a penalty for back chat about the referee's decision (the referee is always right!).

Stringer had another good break again, supported by Smithy.

With 15 to go, Rob finally got justice for all the late tackles on him – actually receiving a yellow card himself for a marginally late tackle on the Stamford 10. Euan slotted into scrum half with Fish at 10 and feeding the ball into the scrum from time to time even more than Fossie was.

Joe Stuart nearly scored with a fine move, coming in off his wing, with Theo very impressed from the sidelines, not knowing what the move was though.

Melbourne were held up over the line too.

Melbourne held out well despite being a man down but conceded a late penalty for Stamford to close the gap to 8-3.

Final score 8-3

Good performance – Good defence. Scrum very strong, lineout good. Back row competitive. Stringer and Joe strong in the backs with Euan and Fish controlling. Missed opportunities though need to be taken.

Nice tea thanks to watty and Wendy

Matt Derbyshire MOTM – Joe Stuart