Yet another 50mile away trip saw the dog pack travel to Melbourne for the second league game of this years penant campaign. A strogn squad saw Login, and Hanson make welcome returns in the pack, while Jordan Hughes, phil and Rupert Jordan and Ben betts bolstered the back line.
This game will be remembered not just for the monstrous score achieved away from home, but also the occasion Captain Peter Dolan was first into the showers. There was no apparent reasoning behind his decision to quicken his post match routine, but whatever the reason, it didn't stop his cunning ability to still be the last to leave the changing room.
Rugby...
Kesteven opted to play with the wind but also the sun in the first 40, and this would prove to be a wise decision, ad Melbourne struggled to cope with the strong head wind and were well pinned into their own half for much of the first period. The second string quickly built up a first half lead, with tries aplenty from Midgely, Andy Price, Jordan Hughes, Harry martin and Rupert jordan, to give a comfortable half time score, but the dog pack wanted to build a good first half score as they anticipated Melbourne's resurgence in the second half.
With changes made at half time, the fresher Kesteven legs seemed to overwhelve the Melbourne side and straight from the kick off, Olly Hughes was running 60 meteres to be stopped just shy of the line. His try would come, and Kesteven set about playing some superb offloading rugby reminiscent of the famed 'globetrotting' days, with forward and backs interlinking for great scores. Harry martin completed his hatrick and added a fourth, with Phil Jordan, Doug Hayward and Richard Midgeley all made the scoresheet.
It's an understatement to say there was some superb rugby played for this fixture, and to be so dominant away from homeis testament to the playing ambition of the club. For Kesteven, Harry martin finished all his tries well, with Phil and Rupert Jordan making a significant difference in the backs. The key to this game was the forward effort, with Login, Hanson, Hayward, and the back row of Dolan, Midgeley and Miles outstanding. Miles in particular proved just too much for Melbourne to handle. Special mention to Jordan Hughes, who played controlled and mature at scrum half in difficult conditions.
Next week the second string are at home with Ashbourne 3rds the visitors.
Team:
King, Login, Dolan P, Hanson, Hayward, Dolan R, Midgeley, Miles, Hughes J, Berry, Jordan R, Jordan P, Price, Charles, Martin, Betts, Hughes O, MacAllister, Smith J, Smith T
I apologise, if I've missed any scorers or details
Subject: saturday 27th October Melbourne 2ndxv 5 - Kesteven 2nd xv 67 
Sun 28 Oct - 11:58
