Melbourne 2s made the short trip over to Long Eaton for a Pennant game.
With Rob and Dale both shirking responsibilities, it was left to Pete Ilott to manage the 2s for the day.
Morris Hall captained.
The kit turned up (except Webbys), and the 2s had a full compliment of 15 by KO with 4 subs too (thanks to the players for giving up their time).

Dan Walker playing in dodgy Canterbury boots, Parnall and Cookie made up the front row, with Mog and Jordan Gale second row. Back row was Broughy, James Lockhart and new boy Pete Perera making his debut for Melbourne.

Webby at 9, with Joe Bancroft at 10. A new centre partnership of Vincent and Beech at centre with a back 3 of Hooper, Ilott (Craig) and Cookies uni mate Will Frederick from Fiji.

The pitch was greasy after rain, and played on a dull day, with more rain to come later on.

Long Eaton had a big pack. Ref was Dave Beaumont an old friend from Casuals.

Melbourne drew first blood with a Bancroft penalty. 3-0. At 8 minutes, Joseph Bancroft again made the break feeding Craig Ilott for the first of the 6 Trys of the afternoon, with Joe converting all of them.
Long Eaton were big up front but as usual, the brave young (except Mog) lads held firm in defence. Not sure how older Perera is yet, but probably not in the young category. After the first Try, LE had a period of pressure on the Melbourne line but cam away with nothing. Melbourne cleared, regrouped and then went back up the field for scores for Lockhart (driving maul) and Beech (out wide somewhere). Webby, for some reason, tried to pick on half of the Long Eaton pack, each and every one at least 6 stone heavier than him.

Long Eaton score 3 Trys all close range forward efforts, the first at the end of the first half.

The second half saw the introduction of Lucas, Stephens, Angelides and Laban. Melbourne continued to control the game orchestrated by Bancroft. .Vincent made a fine break but could not find his support. Trys followed regularly. Debutant Frederick scored with an Chris Ashton like splash. Bancroft scored 2 Trys late on just ghosting through non existent gaps.

Regular changes were made. Parnall got a late yellow card for not retreating 10.

Great game. Changes galore again and a good result.

League action again next week with Market Rasen 2s at home. KO 3pm