Mellish gain a losing bonus point with only 13 boys!

With only 15 boys travelling to Melbourne there was no room for injuries..however that was to be one of the focal points of the day!

On a bright & sunny day, the game kicked off with both sides looking for the edge, with most of the first 5 minutes spent in the middle of the park; neither team giving way.
A bright move down the left saw Mellish take the lead with a powerful run by Charlie...however with no-one else near him, Charlie fell awkwardly & his Shoulder decided to move (2 inches further than it should have been); Charlie was comforted by both sets of supporters until the ambulance came. Lets' just say that Charlie made an impression on the ambulance crew & the hospital staff!
After the gas & air & drugs, his mum has suggested that he will be a "soppy drunk"..lets' hope at 18 & not 12 then!
Charlie will out of action for 4 weeks.
Down to 14, Mellish continued to battle against the opposition 15.
The game flowed from end to end. A mazy run by Andrew saw him go under the posts & Dan converted to put Mellish 12-0 ahead.
With Melbourne winnning most of the loose ball, they deservedly got back into the game near to HT (7-12).
Going in ahead with most of the first half played with 14 showed true determination.
The game continued at a high tempo but 5 minutes into play Andrew went down with an ankle injury (he also went to hospital but fortunately he should be back for the Keyworth game all being well).
Down to 13 boys, Melbourne started to make the extra space count & took the lead with a well worked passing game that Mellish couldn't contain.

Even though we had lost 2 boys to only have 13 left on the field, we knew that the missed tackle counts was rising & we needed to get our discipline back.
The last 20 minutes was enthralling & very physical, with Mellish on the back foot for 70% of the half. However, to play 20 minutes against a good passing side & ONLY concede one try was a fantastic defensive display.
To lose by 7 points where 90% of the game was played with 14 & 40% with 13 was a brilliant display.

Man of the Match went to Adam for his leadership on what will hopefully be his most difficult day at the office!

Aiden's fearless attitude was the cataylist for some of the other boys to step up to the plate. Anthony's tackling around the legs showed the way as well.
Shaquille's electric pace gave the boys some breathing space when they needed it...if we had had 15 on the pitch he would have had support!

Through defeat & adversity come positives; tackling & defending to a boy as a TEAM was Mellish's!

WELL DONE to Melbourne for their open style of play. Excellent hosts.
Next match at home to Keyworth!!!!!