In their third win in as many weeks, the Melbourne Rebels have claimed another victory in their 2024 campaign, with a convincing 47 - 31 win over the Highlanders in front of an energetic home crowd.
Young gun, Darby Lancaster came away with a hattrick of tries after the Rebels made the most of their width to secure the bonus point win. The return of Andrew Kellaway, Josh Kemeny and Lachie Anderson proved to be too much for the visiting team, with all three having stand-out performances with their attacking line breaks and solid defence.
The platform set by the Rebel’s forward pack, especially led by their hard work and energy in the tight areas of the game, once again allowed the backline time to show their creativity and skill.
The Rebels opened the evening’s accounts with an early try to halfback Ryan Lowurens, darting against the grain of play in the opening minutes, catching the defence on the back foot early.
The home side’s second came further into the half when Darby Lancaster found himself on the left edge putting in a low grubber and regathering to score his first of the night.
The attacking pressure that Carter Gordon brings was on full display, an absolute threat taking the ball to the line, forcing the Highlanders to make errors and late decisions. A penalty try to the Rebels gave the hosts an extended lead when a pass to Lachie Anderson was deemed to be deliberately knocked on by the shooting Highlander’s defender from fullback.
A second from Lancaster just before the break, gave the Rebels the edge heading into the sheds 26 to 10. However, the Highlanders refused to go away and went try for try with the Rebels late into the game.
After a breakaway run from Andrew Kellaway through the midfield, Carter Gordon scored his first of the night, following up his fullback’s line to dot down under the posts in support.
Keeping the pressure on the Highlanders with a crafty quick tap by Ryan Louwrens, Gordon found himself crossing the line again shortly after.
Sealing the game in the 78th minute, the try-scoring sensation Darby Lancaster didn't let an opportunity go to waste, recovering a ball from a dominant midfield tackle to run half the field, showing the AAMI Park faithful a true taste of his speed in space.
Fueled by momentum, the Melbourne Rebels move into the bye week with three wins in a row. Positioning them well for their Round 10 match-up against the Crusaders in Christchurch on April 26.
Tries: Louwrens, Lancaster 3, Penalty Try, Gordon 2
Cons: Gordon 5/6
Tries: Withy, Fakatava, Jackson, de Groot
Cons: Gilbert 4/4
Pens: Gilbert 1/2
