Sat 7 Mar 2020
Malvern 19 - 12 Nuneaton Old Edwardians
Malvern jump up into 2nd place in the league after a strong win against high flyers, Nuneaton Old Edwardians. After a week off last week due to the flooding, Malvern looked to keep up their momentum going after a convincing win against Evesham last time out.
With the infamous Leighton Buzzard game fast approaching, players from both the 1st and 2nd teams looked to impress to secure themselves a spot in next weeks squad. Due to absences and injuries, the 1st team had to draft a few players from the 2nd team side. Veteran and Legendary prop, Grant Fraser came into the side and managed to get Man of the Match for his dominance display at tight-head. Kerr, Friths, Evans, Dovey, Hobbs and Brainwood all coming into the side. This game also marked the 100th first team appearance for our skipper, Liam Roleston. A huge congratulations to him.
Before the game both teams held a two minute silence for Di Hodges, a beloved member of Malvern Rugby Club who will be missed by all at Spring Lane.
Nuneaton looked to get on the front foot straightaway, as their back line exposed Malvern’s narrow defence - it looked certain for their winger to go over for the first score of the game but Rob Cook, made a try saving tackle keeping the score at 0-0.
Malvern then started coming up the other end with wave after wave of attack in the visitors half. Malvern won a penalty and decided to put the ball in the corner to set up the driving maul, which was perfectly executed for Glen Potter to go over for the opening try of the game.
Soon after, it was Nuneaton’s turn to set up the driving maul towards the home side’s try line. The ball was then recycled and a big carry from a Nuneaton forward resulted in the game being all square. Malvern started looking a little rusty, giving away unnecessary penalties. Nuneaton, identical to the last try, scored again bringing to score to 5-12 at the break.
Refreshed from the break, Malvern were omnipotent in the second half of the game. The majority of the play happening in Nuneaton’s half. Malvern had a few good opportunities to grab an equalising try but failed to convert. It was then Jon Wills who went over for the score after an excellently executed move from a scrum.
Malvern continued to chip away at the visitors defence with little to show for it. However, with 5 minutes left, it was Jack Curtis who managed to break Nuneaton’s near-impregnable defence, much to the enjoyment of the Stadio Spring Lane faithful.
With Malvern now leapfrogging Nuneaton in the league, this game has put Malvern in a great position for next Saturday’s heavyweight clash with Bedfordshire side, Leighton Buzzard. Over 100 Malvern supporters are said to be heading down to the game, a tremendous testament to this team. Hopefully we can secure a win to grab our first piece of silverware this season.
Up the Vern!
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