Melbourne, Saturday 10^th November, Home, Won 16-12

Royces welcomed Melbourne and some familiar faces to Victory Road under no illusions this was the biggest match of their season so far. With players returning from injury in the backline a focused Royces team took to the field.

A good toss to win, captain McLaughlin astutely chose to play against the strong breeze in the first half. Royces began well, competitive at the breakdown, first to the scraps and territorially on top. The resultant pressure led to a shot at goal for skipper McLaughlin, which just missed to the right of the post.

Melbourne then began to get into the game and found the corner. Although Royces stole the lineout they failed to clear their lines and from the resultant scrum quick hands down the blind side saw the centre hit a superb line from deep and squeeze in at the corner, conversion missed. Now playing with confidence Melbourne exerted more pressure and were looking to attack round the outside of Royces. Following some good passing the Melbourne winger chipped through thinking he was going to score but Andrew Taylor blocked off the winger and duly received a yellow card.  With a player advantage Melbourne pressed hard to score a second try before half time and eventually did going over from close range.

Royces rallied just before half time and earned a penalty which McLaughlin converted to leave the score 12-3 to the visitors at half time.

Royces started the 2^nd half confidently with the strong breeze at their backs. A 30m rolling maul in the first minute taking them deep into the Melbourne half. Continued pressure from the forwards threatened to breach the opposition line but to Melbourne’s credit their defence held strong and a turn over allowed them to clear their lines. Royces were not content to settle at that however and pegged Melbourne back once more, this time resulting in centre Lawrence Betty going over in the corner following good hands in the backs. Conversion missed, 12-8 and Royces were now back to a full compliment.

Continual pressure resulted in another penalty which McLaughlin converted to make the score 12-11. Sensing victory Royces continued to play for the corner and following a tap penalty the ball was fed out to the backs allowing Duncan Myres a clear run to the line in the right hand corner, conversion missed, Royces led 16-12.

Realising they now needed a try to win the game Melbourne pushed hard for that score and spent the last five minutes camped in the Royces 22. Melbourne lost both centres to the sin bin in the final few minutes and Royces held on for a deserved victory. Man of the match was Lawrence Betty.

Next week away to Cleethorpes in the quest to get to Twickenham!! A coach has been laid on for this game for players and spectators.

Team: Jon Peacock, John Scott, Lawrence Betty, Sean Canty, Duncan Myres, Paul McLaughlin, Dave Poole, Mickael Drozdz, Alex Gill, Malcolm Lee, Andrew Taylor, Nick Golding, Ady Gregory, Mike Brown, Iwan Ranft. Subs:– Callum Elliott, Tom King, Adam King.

Mr. Yellow