Academy earn hard-fought draw away at Derby

A warm welcome from the Derby team was matched by the pleasant sunny conditions for Melbourne's Academy in their first Colts run out of 2019/20.

A close, competitive game ensued with both sides making the most of the fast-paced AGP pitch and with the added interest of uncontested scrums (much to the dismay of the Melbourne front row!) making for some good attacking and defensive practice for both team's back rows and backs.

Well-worked Green and Gold tries were scored by an even mix of forwards and backs, with hooker Ben Brough, wing Thomas Gaunt, centre Max Booth and lock Adrian Biddle all crossing the whitewash during the game.

U16 Academy debutant, Mackenzie Welsh contributed fully to what was a fantastic game and clearly relished the opportunity marking his entry into the game with a huge hit on a Derby ball-carrier.

Despite controlling periods of the game the Green and Gold let Derby back into the running with two tries scored off restarts following Melbourne scores but the Melbourne lads showed real composure and commitment to pull back a seven-point deficit in the last 5 minutes of the game after sustained pressure on the hosts.

Overall an ideal shakedown for the Academy and Derby Colts alike and a great game to watch for the assembled spectators. Whilst we came away with work-ons to be addressed on the training field, the effort, organisation, skill and flair displayed by Melbourne bodes well for the coming season and shows the benefits of pre-season and training - well done lads!

Final score: 26-26

Tries: Ben Brough, Thomas Gaunt, Max Booth, Adrian Biddle
Convs: Jamie Rudd x3