The score is approximate (and may be altered), but after being two tries down the U14s clawed and scrapped their way back into the match with a try, before a Corsairs retort. Thereafter, it was all Melbourne as with tries in the middle and tries out wide.
Corsairs is a fine outfit and recycled the ball really well. It was only dogged Melbourne defence, and successful attacks that turned this game Melbourne's way.
Interim Report - Andrew Jansen (photographer)

MATCH REPORT U14s. Sunday 10th October vs Notts Corsairs
What a great day for rugby. Clear blue skies, little wind, not too hot, not too cold. The boys all arrived promptly by 9.30 looking very smart in their shirts and MRFC ties.

Warm up, trying to fire them up. Corsairs had just 14 players but as we wanted to get as many players on the field as possible I am grateful to Sam and Cailean in the first half and Jamie and Malachai in the second for helping Corsairs so we could have a full game.

First half Melbourne came out strong holding Corsairs close to their 22 for the first ten minutes, but unable to capitalise. Corsairs broke out twice with their winger to score 2 tries. Sloppy handling by MRFC meant we would mount runs down the line, but drop it too many times. Defence was slow to close Corsairs down and not always challenging at the rucks meant by half time we were down 3-1. Owen scoring a try from behind a ruck to nip over the line. MRFC played pretty well but those loose areas of the game kept costing us possession.

Second half MRFC came out much better. Moving up in defence to put Corsairs under pressure forcing errors. Handling was much improved and though Corsairs forwards were strong MRFC held their own and a few times MRFC managed to strip the ball from players, and with some strong forward runs created some great forward momentum. The backs had some great runs, with Cam running in 2 tries. A try each from Ryan and Luke, and not letting Corsairs back in the game meant MRFC pulled it back to a 3-5 win.

Really great start to our 2021/22 season and great play from everyone. Think a few found the larger pitch a challenge, but well done everyone.

Squad
Malachai, Owen, Henry, Sam S, Samuel T, Thomas S, Thomas C, George, Jamie, Cam, Lucas M, Luke, Ryan, Ceirnan, Cailean, Jonty, Aeron, Gabe, Joe, Jake, Ben, Drew
Referee - Aiden
Active Coaches - Ian, Phil, Chris, Andy, Gearoid, Gary
Seated Coaches - Colin

U14 Manager Ian