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Melbourne 2nds 22 v 10 Paviors |
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Written by Simon Brandon
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Saturday, 18 November 2006 |
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Melbourne
2nds returned to winning ways in the pennant against Paviors 3s. It was
a glorious November afternoon.
Match ReportThe team had a few changes. John James replaced
the traveling Dave Lowson. Kev Holdgate propped, with Pop hooking. Dodgey moved
up to second row from the back row (in an attempt to prevent himself being punched?),
partnering Nigel. The back row was Bompie (looking the worse for wear after his
Vegas trip), Richie Bennett and Huddo. Jake partnered Fully (also returning from
Vegas carrying some extra weight) at half back. Paul Thwaites and Pete Ilott were
in the centre with a back three of Tim Butler, Chaz Bennett and Ridgers.
Paviors
arrived late and had no time to warm up prior to kick off. Melbourne played the
first half with the wind behind them and started strongly. The Paviors pack was
massive, with their smallest played being Richie Bennetts size. However their
backs, with the exception of a pacey (but lateral running) full back, were pretty
anonymous.
Melbourne scored 3 tries in the first half, only conceding
a penalty. The first came from a break by Jake. He linked well with Tim Butler
on the wing, who gave a superb return pass for Jake to score under the posts.
Fully converted. 7-0. Paviors hit back with a penatly after a couple of stupid
offsides from the Melbourne backs. 7-3. Melbourne pushed again. Winning godd scrum
ball 10 yards out, Fully (using his extra Vegas bulk) made a half break before
linking with Paul Thwaites, who gave a simple scoring pass for Chaz Bennett. Fully
hit the post with the attempted conversion. The third try was the best of the
bunch. A loose kick from Paviors saw Ridgers collect the ball on the Melbourne
22. Favouring neither foot to kick, Ridges went straight through the first tackles.
With Fully and Pete Ilott in support, passes to Fully and then to Pete saw a foot
race for the corner. The pacey fullback caught Pete, who managed to off load in
the tackle to Fully who fell over the line from 2 yards, his momentum carrying
him well into the car park. 17-3 and that was how the half ended.
The
second half was harder. Melborne were now playing into the wind and had the sun
in their eyes, and Paviors decided to play to their strength which was the monster
pack. The scrummaging got ragged, but Melbourne more than made up for that with
some excellent line out play (well done Pop). One of the Paviors players decided
to have his tea early by biting Huddo's arm, and another complained loudly about
having his arm broken AGAIN??????? The half was much more even. When Melbourne
got clean ball, the backs made good ground, but getting clean ball became increasingly
difficult. The Melbourne defence held up well to the Paviors pressure. Melbourne
pressed and eventually scored again. Following a great line out steal (Dodgey
I think), Bompey made a break up the blind side. He popped the ball to Pop who
popped it back to Bompie who popped over the line for a try. Fully popped up to
take the conversion, narrowly missing. 22-3. Nige was on the ball at the restart,
saying 'lets keep the to nil', despite the opposition having scored 3 already.
Paviors scored next. A speculative kick was placed. The ball bounced backwards
but only a few inches in the air. Unfortunately that was enough for the ball to
clear Pop's head and it bounced straight into the full backs hands who scored
under the posts. 22-10. Paviors might have scored again but were called back for
a forward pass.Adam came on to prop (replacing Kev Holdgate). The last 10 minutes
saw Melbourne defending their own line successfully. Ridgers made a try saving
tackle after Nige and Dodgey had shown the Paviors centre the way through (like
traffic wardens). The centre said to Ridgers that he had made Ridgers look good
(or did Ridgers make the centre look bad). The ref blew the whistle with Paviors
still camped on Melbourne's line. Final score 22-10
All in all a good
performance. No single person shone, but no one had a shocker. Their were a few
errors. The penalty count against was very low against us. Work needs to be done
on the restarts with 3 being fumbled.
Next week Lincoln 3s away. Probable
meet time Friday night (so we arrive on time). Dress code - Rugby players who
fancy a beer after the game.
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