Melbourne entered the season with strong form from the pre-season games and a sense of belief that they can cope with the higher standards of Level 6 rugby in Midlands 1 East. The first test doesn't come much harder than a round one game versus Syston, a team who had been playing their rugby in Midlands Premier last season.

On a clear sunny day and with a healthy crowd of support the green and gold took to the pitch in fine spirit including the presence of new sponsors DRAGON soop both on the playing shirts and sidelines. Syston looked well prepared and a strong fit side during the pre-match amble.

It was the visitors who asserted their dominance early doors carrying hard, well organised in defence and with a series of strong scrums that put Melbourne on the back foot. Keeping Melbourne pinned in their half it was an overthrow from the green and golds line out that saw the Syston backrow set-up early phases in the home sides 22. Despite resolute defending the pressure told and the visitors were soon leading 0 - 5.

An early yellow card for the visitors, seeing their big prop leave the pitch for a high tackle, allowed Melbourne back into the game with a couple of penalties allowing Holden to bring the scores to 6 - 8.

In the second quarter of the first half Melbourne should have added to their points as they put a sustained period of pressure to the Syston try line. Twice the ball was failed to be grounded through superb defence and pressure by Syston and a third opportunity saw the ball knocked out of the hands when over the try line following a sharp counter attack and break away.

A period fo sustained pressure by Syston in the last ten minutes was superbly defended by the green and gold as they connected their line and met the swift quick movement and direct hard carries with intelligent and resolute defending.

The scores remained locked at 6 - 8 at half time.

The opening twenty minutes of the second half were Systons who started strongly from the restart and powered into Melbourne's 22. A penalty infringement saw them gain a scrum which they powered over from close range. This was quickly followed by a soft solo effort as the restart failed to be re-secured or slowed and allowed Syston outside back to dance through several would be / should be tacklers and quickly gain a second try taking the scores to 6 - 22.

Melbourne rallied continued to try to gain further ascendancy in the game but struggled to breakdown a class side. Syston added an additional score from a second scrum and break by the backrow that gave them a healthy 27 - 6 lead.

As the game progressed into the last quarter and with the replacements taking affect Melbourne began to show their fitness and came back into the game. Spot gaps in the oppositions defensive line strong carries by Devon Iliffe, Olly Saffel and Jack Pearce began to put the green&gold onto the front foot and they were able to trouble the usually steady defence of Syston.

It was Jack Fisher who gained Melbourne's try stretching the visitors defence wide, Melbourne attacked the outside channel leaving a space for Fisher to drive through and with a roll and stretch reach the try line for the home sides first and only try. A quick drop kick allowed play to continue quickly as Melbourne hoped to use the momentum to gain something from the game. 13 - 27.

However, the final say came from Syston as they scored a fifth try. The final score standing at 13 - 32.

Their were several positives to take from the game and some superb individual performances and displays from the boys in green and gold including the likes of Joe Stuart, Lawrence Betty, Devon Iliffe and Jack Percival.

The DRAGON soop Man of the Match was awarded to Devon Iliffe post match, as he started the season in the form that he finished in last year.

It would be easy to look at the score and see a one sided game, but that would not be doing justice to the effort and performance of both teams on the day. Syston were worthy winners but they had to work exceptionally hard for the victory. Whilst Melbourne come away with nothing in terms of points they are enriched by some of the lessons learnt. This will be one of the top teams in the league and the green and gold competed well and showed glimpses of what can come from a hugely exciting season with a hugely exciting squad.

The team is capable of moving up a couple of gears and improving their performance but this was a solid display. Several senior squad players were unavailable for the match which will add real competition for places upon their return.

Round 2 sees the green and gold travel to Towcestrians next Saturday.