Malvern RFC

Sat 14 Mar 2020

Leighton Buzzard

32 - 16

(HT 15-6)

Malvern

Leighton Buzzard

Malvern

Malvern’s cup run has been brought to an end in the final of the Midlands section of the National Intermediate Cup in a 32-16 defeat to Bedfordshire side, Leighton Buzzard. There was great anticipation for the game with both teams flying high in their respective leagues. Both teams brought along a plethora of supporters which brilliantly added to the atmosphere of the game.

It was the visitors who got an early lead, a late charge down on Rob Cook after a clearing kick resulted in a penalty for Malvern, which Dan Batty slotted between the posts. Leighton Buzzard were quick to respond. A line out in Malvern’s half was recycled and the ball was then shipped left for the winger to go in for the first try.

Out of nowhere, Leighton Buzzard were down to 14 men. A late shoulder charge to the head was spotted by the referee’s assistant on the near-side and a red card was shown to the home side’s outside centre.

With the man advantage, Malvern began to camp inside the host’s half and dominated possession for a good portion of the game. However, a questionable penalty was awarded to Leighton Buzzard as they decided to kick the ball into the corner. A driving maul then ensued and the home side pushed their way over for their second try of the game. Their lead was then cut down to four points, soon after, as Batty converted another penalty.

The half was drawing to a close when Leighton Buzzard’s winger broke through numerous tackles to get inside Malvern’s 22 and allowed the back line to pass the ball out to the corner for their other winger to go over the whitewash. The halftime score was Leighton Buzzard 15-6 Malvern.

During the second half, Leighton Buzzard began where they started off the first half. Another converted penalty for three points allowed their lead to grow and the scoreboard to keep ticking. Malvern were determined to keep fighting until the end. A line out in the oppositions 22 was forced over the line by Malvern to get them right back into the match. Charlie Kerr was the scorer with his first 1st team for Malvern.

This glimmer of hope was soon short lived. Leighton Buzzard responded with 2 quick tries to put the game out of reach for Malvern. However, it was Malvern who had the last say. A line out was recycled in Leighton Buzzard’s half and scrum half Luke Milton decided to go blind with a ball to Cook. The fly half then played a scrumptious flat pass to oncoming speedster Lewis Hardiman, making his first appearance since injuring his finger, scoring in the corner.

This game was a great spectacle for the bumper crowd that came down for the fixture. A huge thank you to Leighton Buzzard for the hospitality and we wish them luck in the next round. Malvern look to bounce back next Saturday with a game against league leaders Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Up The Vern!

Ash Bajwa

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