MELTON Warriors outpoined the Keech Australia-backed Bendigo Miners rugby union team in Saturday's practice match at Epsom-Huntly Reserve.
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There were 14 tries in this clash, eight by Melton in a 44-40 result.
Melton capitalised on the strong breeze in the first half and dominated field position.
The Warriors scored four tries in the first half.
Bendigo responded with three long range tries by Joseph Drahm, Jemesa Delana and Paula Maka.
Two of those were the consequence of Melton spilling the ball when deep in attack from where a Bendigo player swooped on the ball and ran the length of the field.
The try-scoring spree continued in the second half as Melton racked up four more and Bendigo added three.
Trailing by four points, Bendigo was deep in attack when referee Mark Luatutu decided to call the match off 10 minutes early because of lightning.
Two more players from the Miners’ junior program, Cameron Billett and Gavin Beames marked their graduation to the senior ranks.
In addition, there were six newcomers to the Bendigo line-up.
Nick Wall, Tom Lewis, Mylez Petelo, Elijah Faia, Jemesa Delana and Tali Hagley all made their debuts for the Miners.
Scorers: Drahm 3, Delana, Maka, Manderson tries; Manderson 6 goals.
