On a cool but dry afternoon, Harborough 1st XV played some superb running rugby, at times slicing through the Melbourne defence. It will be remembered for an exhibition in how to draw defenders, create overlaps and keep the ball alive..... this at times was a masterclass.

Winger Olly Dawson flew in for three tries as his team mates cut through the visitors defence and gave him opportunities to do what the speedsters do best.... crash over in the corners.

The final score might suggest Harborough had it all their own way, but Melbourne were a combative unit up front and never took a backward step with ball in hand. Although Harborough had opened with 10 points, through a converted Harvey Slade try and penalty from Monty Maule, the visitors stormed up the pitch and scored with a powerful driving maul to keep the score to 10-5 with 30 minutes on the clock.

In the final 10 minutes of the first half Dawson dived over for two tries one of which was converted by Maule , it looked like the 'Dominos' might start to fall as Harborough went into half time 22-5 ahead.

This weeks half time entertainment was provided by Reggie the Jack Russell who wasn't particularly taken with Aaron Lyle's attempts to be friendly. All humans and animals were unhurt in the making this amusing encounter.

Harborough started the second half in much the same vein with the right wing completing his hattrick, flying in like a 'Pizza Express' in the right hand corner. The home side now led 27-5. A few minutes later more sublime hands led to Tom Claffey completing a delightful move and the lead moved out to 32-5.

As in the first half, Melbourne forwards took the game to Harborough and upped their intensity competing at every breakdown and on occasions the game turned a bit 'waspish'. Melbourne scored another try after a forward foray provided ball for them to score on the right wing. 32-10.

Tim Waterfield, Jack Digby, Henry Moss, Tom Herdman and Jack Burrows have provided some real forward presence over the pitch all season and they were at it again as they looked to quell the visitors who began to enjoy more forward possession. Sam Staff had some trademark runs and turned the Melbourne ball over a number of times. Jack Brown and Harry Durham made telling contributions in both defence and linking up for attacking phases.

Young Josh Ford, a late second half substitute, leaped high into the afternoon sky to secure lineout ball that led to Claffey's second try of the afternoon. 37-10. Ford was at his 'jackal best' a few minutes later, as Harborough were awarded a penalty with the opposition holding on too long on the floor.

It's often difficult to keep Maule out of the action for long and in this game he conducted the backline orchestra , Joe Lafferty made a case for being the 1st violin with speedy distribution from the breakdown. Monty Maule made, scored and converted the final try of the afternoon. Harborough ran out 44-10 and await the next round draw.