A young Melbourne side (excluding Fossie, Dale and Joe B) took on an experienced and physical Matlock 25 man 2nd XV squad featuring a number of ex 1st team players.
With Melbourne short of forwards in the 1s and 2s, the pack contained 3 backs, with the 18 man squad also featuring 5 Academy players.
The match had the same pattern throughout. Matlock's physicality at scrum especially and breakdown against Melbourne's pacey young side. Matlock fell foul of the referee's whistle early on and Melbourne scored a couple of early Trys . Foster (playing 8) picked up his first of the season followed by Jonny Vincent. Matlock hit back with a Try of their own. Dale converted 1 and also converted a penalty last on in the first half. An early injury to Josh Stephens saw Max Lucas make his second team debut. Sam Martin and Thomas Watson also came on later in the game.
Melbourne faced an onslaught of physical intimidation from Matlock, and stood up to the mark all the way through the game. Other chances went missing, particularly from a mazy run by Webster.

2nd half saw the pattern continue. 2 trys for Matlock from tight play. 1 for Ben Archer picking a nice line off a Bancroft pass. Melbourne continued to hassles at the breakdown forcing turnovers, and threaten with ball in hand. Injuries saw Foster go from number 8, to 5 to hooker and the game saw uncontested scrums for the last 5 with a neck injury to Sparkes.

The Academy lads acquitted themselves superbly as did the young lads throughout.