A BRAVE and spirited display from a much-changed Grimsby RUFC side was not enough to overcome Melbourne.
The Derbyshire side won 39-8 on their own patch against the Blues.
But Grimsby gave no quarter in a fast and brutal encounter.
They will look to build on this performance for the visit of Mellish to Springfield Road tomorrow for the final game of the season.
The early exchanges showed the sides were well-matched, but Melbourne used their possession slightly better than Grimsby.
This was more than matched with ferocious defence from the men in blue, with excellent defensive performances from flanker Allan Oliver, Hooker Rory Rendall-Tyrrell and playing in a changed role, flanker and Captain Ben Pharaoh.
The scrummage was a fascinating contest with new props Jake Vickers and Matt Pettiford having impressive performances and the reliable yard-making number eight Sam Vickers also contributing well.
Two scores from the home side were countered from a penalty from Nathan Watson and a well taken try from Lewis Newsum. Scrum half Ben Nutting spotted a gap from a penalty won by Pharaoh and tapped and went. He saw the space and chipped ahead for Newsum to outsprint all the defenders to gather the ball and score in the corner.
Constant spells of possession from the home side were repelled again and again with big hitting from lock partners Luke Chaplin and Jim Livermore and equally good defence from centres Doug Clough and Jonno Norman.
But for a couple of outrageously lucky bounces of the ball the score line would have been a fairer reflection of the game but at the end Grimsby's spirit and bravery was not enough to overcome a quality Derbyshire side that are looking for promotion.