Weakened Melbourne lose at Loughborough

Melbourne 2s made the short trip to face Loughborough 2s in what was anticipated to be a real test of our mettle, having comfortably dispatched all comers in the league so far. Injuries in the 1s meant the squad was unfortunately a little light on the ground with a bare but willing squad of 15 making the journey. The green and gold were a little disjointed in the warm-up in the absence of Fozzie and other senior players but, after a few dominant phases scoring unopposed, the mood in the camp was overwhelming positive as the game kicked off.
A youthful Melbourne started with Cookie, James Angelides, and Tim Awberry in the front row; Rob Lamb and Max Lowson in the second row; Jordan Gale, Dave Porter and Jack Brough in the back row; Matt Holdgate at 9, Al H at 10; Dale and Chris Wiseall in the centres; Josh at full-back, Harry Woollard and the versatile Guy Cooper on the wings.
It was clear immediately from the kick-off Loughborough were a strong and organised outfit, and they shook Melbourne with two quick tries before the green and gold could get anything going. Travelling with 15 meant Melbourne were always going to rely on good fortune to get through the whole 80 minutes with a full team, but unfortunately there seemed to be a revolving door of injured players on the side-line. Nevertheless, in the face of a rising injury count Melbourne held strong in the first half, and it was felt if we could get to half-time only two scores down we would have a real chance in the second half. Unfortunately, Loughborough turned on the style just before the end of the half, with their very good fly-half and inside centre at the heart of everything, scoring two tries to kill off the game.
Highlights of the first-half for Melbourne included a huge late hit, WWE ‘clothesline’ style, from Chris Wiseall, great counter-attacking from Josh at full-back and some good work from the forwards keeping their strong-running pack at bay.
It was more of the same in the second half, but Melbourne did not let their heads drop and scored two well-deserved and well-taken tries. The first followed a mid-field interception from Cookie; time seemed to stand still as he galloped towards the line, smashing through defenders before off-loading to Matt, who did well to retain possession after taking a huge hit which saw him leave the field soon after. Melbourne recycled possession well, going through phase after phase, and after Rob Lamb nearly drove over one of the players Loughborough lent Melbourne went over in the corner from close-range, converted with ease by Dale. A second try soon followed, expertly finished by Dale after more good work from the forwards in the tight.
Loughborough scored a few more tries to end the game, with the hard work being done by the strong running of their inside centre who, though clearly a very good player, had the look of someone who didn’t want to challenge himself at a higher level, or had already tried and been found out.
We kept our dignity and played hard until the final whistle in tough circumstances, the absence of senior players meaning new combinations were formed all over the pitch. Well played everyone, and onto next week.