Scunthorpe U14's 17 v 14 Melbourne U14's

Melbourne U14's set off at what seemed a ridiculously early time to play away at Scunthorpe in the first round of this years NLD Cup Competition. The two teams had never met before as an age group but looking at previous Scunthorpe results a very tough encounter was expected and delivered!
A ferocious battle of defenses was to be the story of the game with hardly an inch given by either team, the usual space that Melbourne often found with strike runners were stopped before they could gain any momentum. Scunthorpe had the edge at the breakdown and set-piece with a very well drilled pack resulting in Melbourne having to make early changes to bolster the forwards - especially in the scrum.
Once Melbourne started getting a little stability at the breakdown and used their back line more effectively chances started to come with Olly Jenkinson finding space on the wing on a couple of occasions and only last grasp tackles stopping him going over.
Scunthorpe took the lead through their hard running center after eventually finding a gap in the resolute Melbourne defense but Melbourne hit straight back following a couple of good phases of attack and then spinning the ball across the back line with Seb Williams finishing in the corner, a great touchline conversion by Josh Pearch gave Melbourne a half time lead of 7.- 5.
The second half was more of the same, both teams testing the others defenses with some bone crunching tackles all around the field of play, Scunthorpe took the lead again 10 - 7 with the same player crossing over the try line, conversion missed.
The scoreline stayed the same until 3-4 minutes from the end of the game, Melbourne were awarded a penalty in the Scunthorpe 22 and from a set move Taylor Campbell eventually breached the Scunthorpe defense and powered his way over the try line to score under the posts, Josh pearch converting to give Melbourne the lead 14:10 with 2 minutes to play.
A big learning curve for the Melbourne players that a game is never won until the final whistle is blown - a quick restart from Scunthorpe and a dropped kick off gifted Scunthorpe the ball deep in the Melbourne half and then uncharacteristic missed tackles allowed the Scunthorpe centre to cut through the defence to score under the posts, the conversion successful and Scunthorpe had won the game 17 - 14.
A great game of rugby from both teams, defence was the story of the day and good luck to Scunthorpe in the next round of the Cup Competition. Melbourne's Man of the Match was awarded to Taylor Campbell for a relentless display of tackling, rucking and always keeping the Scunthorpe players busy with his powerful runs.