Melbourne toppled by Towcester

Melbourne took to the road on a sunny autumn day, travelling down the M1 to face Towcestrians. Mixed fortunes in round one had seen Towcester earn a decent draw versus Market Harborough whilst Melbourne had a tough opening game against a strong Syston side.

Further injuries and absentees once again affected the squad seeing Sam Hancock replace the injured Olive Page at Scrum Half, Tony Day shift to Tight Head for the unavailable James Squires and Dan Walker come back into the squad at loose head. Harry Stephenson was unavailable being replaced by Andy Martin. Jack Fisher was replaced with Jack Pearce again through unavailability seeing Olly Saffel switch to wing alongside Josh Mallet and Joe Stuart slotting in at fullback.

The bench welcomed Kelvin Browne back for his debut game in the green & gold. John Cooke-Rogers and Will Doleman both promoted to the bench.

Towcester welcomed All Black Ben Franks to the clubhouse who was spectating from the sidelines.

The game started at pace and both sides played good rugby using the conditions well and looking to spread the ball wide and with tempo. Despite early pressure and territory Melbourne lost possession when within Towcester's twenty two seeing the home side shift the ball quickly wide and using an early overlap to expose weak defending. Towcester took an early 7 - 0 lead.

The game was pulled back as Melbourne showed their teeth and superiority at the set-piece, putting the scrum and lien outs under considerable pressure. It was from a lineout and subsequent maul that the match official awarded a penalty try for the opposition pulling the maul down. 7 - 7

Towcester's second try came courtesey of a turnover from contact as unforced and untypical errors allowed a break away score once again 14 - 7.

It was following half time that Towcester cranked up the pressure and physicality which saw a depleted and lack lustre Melbourne capitulate. Early injuries to Alex Nightingale, James Benstead never helped the cause but a catalogue of errors allowed Towcesterians to show why they are an established Midlands 1 team building up to a score 24 - 7.

This wasnt a typical Melbourne display and despite the aggravating circumstances Melbourne continue to push for something in the least a try bonus point or loosing bonus point. A nicely worked try through the centre channel saw Loz Betty gain his first try and this was soon followed by some good phase play allowing the injured Nightingale to get a score despite his limping stature!

In search of a fourth try the game opened up and Towcester showed some class out wide scoring a further try with the last play of the game.

Towcester were well deserved winners against a misfiring and much changed Melbourne side. That being said their were some real positives in the display with the set piece functioning well and a real gutsy show to try and secure a bonus point. The score was slightly skewed as the game opened up in the last quarter of the game.

Melbourne will be hoping to be buoyed by added competition for places as players return and fight for their spots ahead of the clash versus Wellingborough in Round 3 at home.