Unquenchables v Melbourne Uni - 500th Anniversary Match

Venue: Boxhill
Weather: Good
Pitch: Dry
Score: Lost 21 - 10
Referee: David
Captain: B. Burdett
Man of the Match: All of them

The Unquenchables Contribution to the Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations was the match against the Gents of Melbourne University at Sparkes Reserve.

An eager coterie of 24 players led by the indomitable Septuagenarian Bryan Burdett trotted onto the field in the wake of young BEN LINDERMAN aged 5 years who has been recruited by the Unquenchables to play in the year 2059. Amongst these stalwarts were 4 players who first joined the Boxhill Rugby Union Football Club in the halcyon days of Surrey Park. They were Graham Brown, Dennis Collard, Kevin Heath and Glen Hill (Glen has the club record of 40 years continuous playing for Boxhill).

The game commenced at a furious pace and the Unquenchables were soon back on their own line after a try by University. 7-0

The Boxhill forwards secured good ball to enable the backs to attack but determined defence from University kept Boxhill from Scoring. It was time for desperate measures so Collin Reid was brought on. Collin a new member of the Unquenchables has never played rugby but that did not stop him and he acquitted himself well. Tony (Traralgon) Tennant made his guest appearance and played with his usual aplomb securing ball from the rucks and mauls.

The backs continued to pressure University and late in the first half Steve Merchant crossed the line to score. 7-5

Before half time University again scored and as the welcome half time whistle blew (we were stuffed) the score was 14-5.

The second half provided a more balanced competition and a score by Andy Munroe brought Boxhill within 4 points of University. 14-10.

Unfortunately a kick by University over the Boxhill backline with the fullback up in attack saw the only cover defender an aging scrum half bravely trying to run back to recover the ball but was too slow and University toed the ball through for another try. The final score 21-10

A great day was had by all and the team looks forward to the commencement of the season on the 2nd of May at Southern Districts.