Boro edged out in top of the table clash

LOUGHBOROUGH RFC welcomed top of the table Melbourne to Derby Road on Saturday for a clash which saw both teams produce some great rugby.

Both teams started strongly, with big carries and ferocious tackling, with Loughborough having the slight territorial advantage in the early encounters. Stephen Duffus, the Loughborough head coach and loose head prop, led the way with some inspired tackling, but it was Melbourne woh opened the scoring with a converted try to take a 7-0 lead.

Loughborough showed their resilience and responded quickly with a try by co-captain Kieran Hewgill, converted by Thomas Kirkby to level the score at 7-7.

Melbourne responded in turn and put the Loughborough defence under pressure. The home side held firm, until Melbourne capitalised on yet more quick ball and crossed over for their second try of the afternoon to make it 12-7.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first half ended, with yet more strong carries and firm defence from both sides. The first 20 minutes of the second half saw no score for either team until a Melbourne penalty made it 15-7.

Loughborough once again responded strongly and a converted try by centre Aaron Brown closed the gap to three points at 15-12.

At this point, Loughborough looked like they could go on and win the match, but Melbourne showed why they are top of the league, and managed to score two late tries to win 29-12.