Malvern travelled to the outskirts of the Midlands Two West League to play an in-form and improving Old Laurentians whose recent form meant this was set to be a very real challenge. For the first time in weeks a dry day and given the weather a pitch that was in horse racing term's Soft to Heavy!
The two hour coach journey seemed to be dispelled very quickly with a very solid start. The early signs up front were good. Two really powerful surges at the first two scrums left Old Laurentians in disarray and Malvern kicking to the corner for a 5 metre line-out. Great work from the line out with a driving maul and Number 8 Max Richardson being driven over by his pack for a great start. Rob Cook kicking the conversion.
Malvern kept up the pressure at scrum time repeatedly putting the opposing scrum under real pressure. One such scrum saw a two metre drive release Richardson at the back of the scrum, he took the contact and popped the ball through to Luke Milton at scrum-half who from the twenty two, darted, twisted and turned to score a fine individual try.
Malvern were really hitting their stride now, from the kick-off fast hands a quick recycling and a chip through saw speedster full-back Sommerville race through outpacing the defence to score. Cook converted.
Next up was some really fine back play with Batty powering through taking the contact and with soft hands putting Mustow who had run a perfect line through for another fine score. Batty converted.
Old Laurentians started to build some pressure and despite some very strong defence eventually scored a good converted try after some precise play.
Batty scored a penalty at the end of the half.

Half Time Old Laurentians 7 Malvern 29

The second half was far more of an even battle. Malvern sensibly playing a pragmatic game pushing the ball into the corners and challenging Old Laurentians to go from their own 22 to score. Despite some solid efforts by the home team Malvern frustrated and as the dark started to drop, so did errors and penalties creep in with both sides wasting good positions through indiscipline or inaccuracy.
Malvern finished the game in a positive manner with another catch and drive from a line out with replacement hooker Maloney finishing off a fine forwards day. Batty converted.

Full Time Old Laurentians 7 v Malvern 36

A couple of special mentions firstly 2nd Row Arran Carr, making his first team full debut after an outstanding colts season last season and a very solid season so far in the 2nd team. No coincidence that this was the most dominant performance of the season by the Malvern pack. Some real grunt at the scrum and breakdown, securing all his own ball at the line out and really disrupting the Old Laurentians line out. Another product of our youth and colts set up.
Would almost be rude not to mention Luke "don't call me a veteran" Milton. Having given up his favourite full back position to play fly-half and now scrum half this season to fill gaps, always the club man that will do what is best for the team. His darting runs and service really got the backs moving.
Director of Rugby Rob Cook said "It has been a pleasing start to the season. We have for the most part played a good brand of rugby, we have introduced new players and brought through a number of young players. This season both forwards and backs have been dominate in most games. 14 wins from 15 in cup and league, leaves us in The North Midlands semi-final and semi-finalists in The National Intermediate Cup. Two games in hand leave us nicely placed in the league. The best thing is the competition for places, we have strength in depth in every position. We can and will improve and I look forward to continuing my role in getting the balance right in terms of team selection. I love the fact that that players know that they have to train hard week in and week out if they want to win the first team shirt. Finally a big recognition to our 2nd team who are flying high in their league despite having regular cry-offs against them. Our thirds are now a team in their own right with some great results and an abundance of players. Youth and Colts rugby goes from strength to strength through so many committed coaches and parents. I wish you all on behalf of myself and the club a very merry, peaceful Christmas and hope both in rugby and life you have a happy and prosperous New Year."

Kevin Purcell