Malvern RFC

In recent weeks Malvern RFC have been trying to identify at which point they have upset the Rugby Gods. Injury after injury, then player unavailability have left the 1st team struggling to compete. Last weeks trip to Southam RFC saw according to players, supporters and Malvern's ever present rugby sage's one of the worst 20 minutes of Malvern rugby in living memory. Midweek training saw some honest acknowledgements from players and coaches alike that whilst injuries can never be avoided, passion and commitment must make up for gaps in personnel.

This game against a Barker Butts team in a similar league position was set to define whether Malvern were to become part of a hard fought relegation battle or start to right some wrongs. On a beautiful afternoon for rugby, dry, firm under foot and without wind. A number of questions were set to be answered .....

Within minutes Malvern were ahead, quick line out ball on the Barker Butts 22 saw fly half Adam Dixon hit a perfect line, slicing the opposition defence to score near the posts, he converted his own try. This set the tone for the afternoon, Dixon very influential in dictating the pace, style and outcome of the game. Next up was a try for winger Tom Hale a quick penalty taken on half way saw the ball reach Hale, he stood up, then sat down his opposite number before scoring in the corner, a difficult conversion completed from Dixon. Barker Butts scored next after a chip into the in goal area that Malvern seemed to ground, Malvern clearly disappointed accepted the decision and from the kick off secured a penalty in front of the posts which Dixon slotted.

Next up was a quality try that had much to do with the vision and quality of captain Luke Milton, receiving the ball in the centre of the pitch 5 metres from his line, he looked up assessed his options and spurted into space before hitting Hale with a 25 metre miss pass that took out four defenders, Hale seized the opportunity to stretch his legs. Tap tackled on about the Barker Butts 10 metre line he popped the ball to the support runner Gareth Mustow who gleefully accepted a run in for the try. Dixon converting.

With Barker Butts suffering a yellow card for their fly half, due to him trying his hardest to play, referee, commentate and give punditry advice to a referee himself playing down a couple of levels on his usual grade standard.

Malvern accepted the extra man with relish, scoring three tries before Barker Butts got back to strength. the first for Director of Rugby and Hooker Dave Irish, in truth a two metre walk in after a quick penalty and good hands saw him in some wide open space. We hope and would be disappointed if this didn't turn into a burst from the 22, three side steps and then powering over as it is retold over beers to come. What is for certain it mustered the loudest and longest cheer of the day for the most popular of men. Bonus point secured Malvern pushed on.

Mustow was next up, from the opposition 22, power pace and grunt, challenging the defence to stop him, four tried, none did a great individual try.

Half Time Malvern 34 - Barker Butts 5

Malvern started the second half as the first had ended, from the kick off recycling ball in their own 22, rapid feet and hands saw Hale released on half way and the next action happened with a try under the posts, Dixon converting. Barker Butts responded with a good try from a lineout and rolling maul that they controlled well. Malvern were playing now at high pace and seemingly running the ball from anywhere on the park. Quick ball from a penalty again saw good hands to put winger Connor Giggle in for a try. Malvern were now in complete control against a down heartened Barker Butts, running great lines and off loading at the right times saw forwards and backs combine for a well deserved try for Nial Potter-Farrant. Dixon converted. Finally try went to Mustow with another trade mark powerful burst. Dixon again converting.

Full Time Malvern 60 - Barker Butts 10

An afternoon where there were some additional points to note.

It was the first game this season when Physio Georgina has not spent more time on the pitch than the average player. What looked like the smallest Malvern pack in height terms in living memory proved, its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog. Struggling in line out and scrum, Malvern's pack still secured enough ball to set the backs free for 9 tries. Looking ahead, room with this win for some optimism. A number of players returning before the start of December, great team spirit and the youth and experience blend staring to work.

Please make a note in your diary of the next couple of home game's. Against Dunlop 2.15pm kick off on Saturday 19th November 2016. Then before we play Leamington, the Christmas Lunch on Saturday 10th December 2016. Now is the time to get behind the lads an help them push on.

C'mon The Vern.