Unquenchables v Melbourne Uni

​Venue: Boxhill
Weather: Good
Pitch: Good
Score: Lost 17 - 5
Referee: Gerry Collins
Captain: Phil Hand
Man of the Match: “Fast Eddy” Jackson

A home game, plenty of reserves and a fast backline, a large forward pack. What could go wrong?

We started off with good ball from the pack and our backs running straight gouging holes in the opposition backline but we were unable to score. The University defence kept us out for the first 15 minutes until, at last, the pressure by the Boxhill pack supporting each other let Glenn Hill over the line for a fine try. 5-0 to us.(unknown territory)

University soon came back and in reply scored out wide. 5-5.

With the Boxhill backs running free towards the try line and desperate defence by University it had the crowd on the hill to their feet in excitement. Unfortunately new arrival Dick Turner a dashing centre went down injured with a broken nose. Jamie Meyer was heard to mutter “What an improvement”! With a reorganised backline Boxhill managed to press the University defence but to no avail and at half time it was 5-5.

After the break the game seesawed up and down the field with many dazzling displays of vintage rugby. A try saving tackle by William”Fast Eddy” Jackson earned him Man of the Match honours. Good defensive kicking by Clive Welti at fullback and hard running by Francois Darcas provided moments of glory. University managed to score again out wide. 10-5.

The return of All black trialist Steve Perkins and the return from injury of Andy Ellis allowed a rotation of the backs. Again late in the game University scored and converted. 17-5.
A very fast game which did not suit our mobile pack.

Next week we play Harlequins at Melbourne University Ground Melways map 43 F1.