This was a game where Melbourne just grew throughout - once we were over the jet-lag (where is Stafford?). Well they didn't know where Melbourne was!
Stafford gave us the kind of game we needed - they were hard running physical and organised. Melbourne was down 12-0. We had to improve; practice was over. And these Melbourne lads did respond: Melbourne U15s made their speed and agility work for them, where Stafford made hard crashing runs work for them.
It was two a-piece and one conversion each when we finally pulled away with a second half try.
Stafford kept us breathing hard to the very end.