In a hotly contested match up, the Melbourne Rebels and Blues played out a high energy, high physicality thriller for fans at AAMI Park.
For the majority of Friday Night's clash under lights, the Melbourne Rebels carried with intent and directness, guided by their play makers and managing territory and possession well.
Winning the majority of 22m entries, the Rebels were unlucky not to convert more, only scoring one try from their 12 entries. The Blues defence held them out, after repeat efforts with the ball and multi phase attack not breaking through.
The front row of Taniela Tupou and Isaac Kailea, paired with Jordan Uelese held strong in the scrum for the majority of the game, with Sam Talakai and Matt Gibbon bringing the impact across from the reserves.
Tupou came out with a point to prove to start the game, carrying well early on, with nine in the first half. The prop's work-rate was the best all season, and contributed to the team's fight early in the contest.
A try to the sniping excellence of Ryan Louwrens was the Rebels only five-pointer, and two to Gordon from the boot kept the Rebels in the contest.
Heading into the break with a point between them, the local fans were ready for an edge of their seat second half, with both teams having to adjust to the early losses in the midfield.
For the most part the Rebels matched the Blues and judging by statistics midway through the second half, the final score line did not reflect the Rebels' ability to stay in the game and play with intent.
However, the visitors' ability to make the most of their chances coupled with their sturdy defence held off any chance the Rebels had of getting control of the game.
The Rebels head to Brisbane for their Round 12 clash with the Reds on Friday May 10 at 7:35PM.
Tries: Louwrens
Cons: Gordon 0/1
Pens: Gordon 2/2
Tries: Tele'a 2, Sheck, Tuipulotu, Darry 2
Cons: Plummer 3/6
