Melbourne knew going into this game they were going to have to play better than in previous weeks and with the students easily winning their last four league games, a tough game was expected. 

The pre match talk was to keep the ball within the Melbourne forwards and away from the students pacy back line.

Within minutes of the start Melbourne were penalised for offside and the students used the ball well, breaking through the Melbourne midfield to score the opening try. The conversion was missed but 5:0 with their first attack of the game was not the start Melbourne had wanted.
Melbourne's game plan was put into immediate action from the restart with a series of rolling mauls, forcing the students backwards, Robin Clayborn being tackled into touch to prevent an immediate reply. The resulting lineout was stolen by Melbourne, a good drive to the line and Ian Lucas scoring to level the scores 5:5.

Melbourne were now starting to dominate up front, driving the students backwards in the set pieces and putting big hits into any attack and turning ball over frequently, Kier Biggins and Robert (Bompey) Thompson covering the entire pitch to great effect.

Another forward drive from a lineout in the students 22 and Nick Parkinson finally scoring the try, Perry missing the touch line conversion 5:10.

The next try came from a free kick conceded by the students, a set move saw Ian Lucas cut through the defence and pop the ball to Pete Ilott who was stopped just short of the line, Lucas picking up the loose ball to score under the posts, Perry converting to make the half time score 5:17.

The second half started well for Melbourne with good field position from the boot of Dean Sylvester allowing the Melbourne forwards to force the students into making mistakes, Ray Spakes capitalising on one to barge over the line for the opening try of the second half. Within minutes of the restart and Melbourne were again in the students 22 and driving the ball towards the try line, Nick Parkinson eventually grounding the ball for his second try, Perry converting 5: 29

The next score was the turn of the Melbourne backs with Pete Ilott finishing a good move that had started with a blind side back row move deep in the Melbourne half, 5:34.

The students made a couple of effective replacements and reduced the deficit when their hard running centre crashed through the Melbourne defence on two occasions to score two tries 17:34.

Melbourne made three replacements of their own and the fresh legs showed with two more tries being scored late on with Pete Ilott touching down for his second and Kier Biggins deservedly scoring with James (the Tank) Thornton kicking the last conversion to finish the scoring 17:46.

A much better and much needed performance from Melbourne to keep the winning run going.

Team

1. Clayborn
2. Cox
3. Collins
4. Judge
5. Sparkes
6. Thompson
7. Biggins
8. Lucas
9. Parkinson
10. Sylvester
11. Watts
12. Fulton
13. Foster
14. Ilott
15. Perry
16. Lakin
17. Thornton
18. Holden