Day 2 Recap | 2025 National League - Melbourne Invitational

Day 2 of the 2025 Melbourne Invitational saw some clear favourites take the lead in the overall leaderboard in both divisions.

Game 1 – Division 1 – Hunter Wildfires vs Box Hill RUFC

Both Box Hill and Hunter Wildfires were coming into the opening match of the day looking to get their first win of the Melbourne Invitational. The combination of Shae Graham and Maia Marshall-Amai led Box Hill to an early lead. But the Wildfires weren’t going to go down without a fight. In front of a passionate audience, VIC locals Dylan Streller and Ben Fawcett, aided the Wildfires to an impressive third quarter showing. Ultimately, Box Hill remained dominant, securing their first win of the tournament.

Box Hill 59 defeated Hunter Wildfires 30

Game 2 – Division 2 – SA Sharks vs VIC Thunder

Division 2 featured rematches from Day 1, with the locals aiming for their first win of the competition. Despite being a couple of players down, VIC Thunder player/coach Shane Brand led his team valiantly providing guidance and leadership to his developing team. Newcomers Jett Johnson and Caleb Crowden got valuable minutes off the bench, assisting Sharks to secure their first win of the day.

SA Sharks 42 defeated VIC Thunder 30

Game 3 – Division 1 – Melbourne RUFC vs Bond University

The Melbourne Unicorns were invigorated coming into Day 2 with the injection of high-pointer Jayden Warn. Displaying a revitalised game play, the Unicorns were steadfast in their attack as Jayden paired with Hayden Barton-Cootes. Bond University were looking to not only get the win but also improve their margin to edge out their fellow Queenslanders on the ladder. Low-pointers Em Miller and Mick Ozanne provided stability in defence to see Bond come away with a 14-point victory.

Bond University 55 defeated Melbourne RUFC 41

Game 4 – Division 1 – Sydney University vs UQ

In what was picked to be the match of the day, UQ came out swinging, with Chris Bond and Matt Thompson connecting to finishing the first quarter with a nine-point lead. Sydney University were quick to reply from the second quarter. James McQuillan and AJ Holloway were dynamic across the court, ensuring the margin narrowed heading to the second half. In the end, the Red Heavies were too strong, claiming a decisive 14-point victory.

UQ 63 defeated Sydney University 49

Game 5 – Division 2 – SA Sharks vs QLD Cyclones

In a thrilling Division 2 showdown, QLD Cyclones and SA Sharks went toe-to-toe, with neither side willing to give an inch. Scores were locked at half-time, but SA found their rhythm in the third quarter, pushing ahead by 6 points. Just as it looked like they might hold on, QLD staged a dramatic final-quarter comeback, sealing victory with a try in the last six seconds. Ben Owens and Jacob Walsh were standouts for SA, while Ben Chalker and Hamish Cook proved instrumental in getting QLD over the line.

QLD Cyclones 39 defeated SA Sharks 38

Game 6 – Division 1 – Sydney University vs Box Hill RUFC

Box Hill continued their strong form on Day 2, securing back-to-back wins with a hard-fought victory over Sydney University. Jacinta Richardson was a driving force, weaving through the Sydney defence with precision. Sydney stayed within reach for most of the match, keeping the margin tight, but Box Hill held firm to take the win. This result sees them finish the day in third place, setting up an exciting run into Day 3.

Box Hill 53 defeated Sydney University 48

Game 7 – Division 1 – Hunter Wildfires vs Bond University

Bond University continued their dominant form with a commanding win over the Hunter Wildfires, remaining undefeated after Day 2. A powerful second-quarter surge saw them break away, with Conor Tweedy leading the charge to establish an 11-point advantage. Despite an evenly matched second half, the damage had been done, and Bond held firm to secure another convincing victory. They now turn their attention to a much-anticipated Derby clash with UQ on Day 3.

Bond University 54 defeated Hunter Wildfires 41

Game 8 – Division 1 – Melbourne RUFC vs UQ

True to form, UQ took early control of the match up, with player/coach Chris Bond’s consistency giving his team an 8-point lead at quarter time. The middle stanza of the game saw Melbourne refusing to give up, gaining on the Queenslanders and giving the home crowd a masterclass. However, in the end UQ showed why they were the favourites coming into the competition, winning by nine.

UQ 53 defeated Melbourne RUFC 44

Game 9 – Division 2 – QLD Cyclones vs VIC Thunder

In the final Division 2 round match, the QLD Cyclones were looking to go four from four for the tournament. In a tightly contested match, the scores were level going into the half time break. Newcomers Arman Dhillon and Dani Hale pushed the Cyclones in a dominant third quarter performance widening the margin. Alby Everett and Cameron Wales displayed their growth throughout the tournament, as VIC pushed to claw their way back into the match. In the end, the Cyclones won the closely contested match by eight.

QLD Cyclones 41 defeated VIC Thunder 32

Match ReviewsKelsey Singh4 March 2025National LeagueComment