A well drilled Melbourne side lifted the 2011/12 U13’s NLD Trophy having outplayed a below par Spalding.
The fact that Spalding had only been able to complete four full matches since the start of the year, and none at all since the middle of March, contributed to a rusty performance against a Melbourne team that were obviously at the top of their game.
Spalding more than held their own in the first half and were unlucky to be trailing at half time. An early unconverted try from Melbourne following a quick penalty and good inter passing was followed by a period when Spalding forwards looked like taking control of the game. A series of driving mauls took play from half way to deep into the Melbourne 22, however, just as a score seemed likely, basic errors allowed Melbourne to mount a concerted counter attack which was eventually stopped just short of the Spalding line. From the resulting scrum, Melbourne moved the ball right and were awarded a try, even though there was a suspicion that the ball had been lost forward in the act of grounding. To add to the injustice, the conversion was successful.
Spalding forwards again started to gain the upper hand and Alex Worth was unlucky not to be awarded a try when it appeared that he had grounded the ball on the line. However, he was able to force his way over from the resulting scrum for an unconverted try, bringing the half time score to Spalding 5pts : Melbourne 12pts.
The first minute of the second half saw Mark Hendy suffer a nasty head wound in a ruck which needed hospital treatment, this was unfortunate as Mark had been playing probably his best game of the season and was a constant threat to the Melbourne defence.
From the restart Melbourne mounted a concerted attack which was initially thwarted, however, eventually after a number of missed tackles and a bit of ball watching, Melbourne were able to score near the posts for another converted try.
Spalding then rallied and were once again threatening to score when a loose pass allowed the Melbourne wing to race the length of the field to score another converted try.
Spalding forwards again took the initiative and with standout performances from Alex Worth and Harry Wilkinson-Roberts once again secured an attacking position in the Melbourne 22. This time Corey Lewis was able to break clear and score near the posts, however, in his haste to get the game restarted as quickly as possible, the conversion was missed. With Alex Worth forced to leave the field with a leg injury and a number of other forwards carrying knocks, Melbourne were able to mount one final attack and score an unconverted try taking the closing score to Spalding 10pts : Melbourne 31pts.
A disappointing end to what has been a rather frustrating season when a number of factors conspired against us even getting a game.
Thanks to all those who have read these reports and have commented on them.