Malvern RFC

Avid travellers, Malvern, journeyed to Shipston-on-Stour for their eighth away fixture from ten. Having had their home game postponed last week against Stratford due to patches of standing water on the pitch, Malvern were keen to claw back some points against a team around them in the table.

From the kick-off, Shipston, who were playing down the hill, forced an early knock-on from the visitors. This set the tone for the first five minutes during which Shipston looked lively as they threw the ball around with confidence and purpose. Malvern defended well although the pressure told when a high tackle penalty was kicked to the corner by the home side. After a strong lineout, Shipston moved the ball centrally but were thwarted by an excellent Lewis Hardiman turnover.

Most of the opening ten minutes were played in Malvern’s half and Shipston soon went over for a deserved score to make it 5-0. Malvern replied well and began applying pressure of their own. The Worcestershire side had a penalty in front of the sticks reversed for an alleged stamp at the breakdown. From this resulting penalty, Shipston cleared their lines and would have felt fortunate to have kept Malvern at bay.

Malvern’s heads dropped further as Shipston ran in an easy try down the right-hand side. As the kicker nudged over the conversion, the away side received a grilling from head coach, Ieuan Mustow. An excellent Connor Giggle turnover inspired Malvern and they began probing in and around the opposition’s 22. Sadly, despite lots of pressure, Malvern were unable to convert their chances as Shipston cleared once more. Within minutes, Malvern found themselves 15 points behind and facing an uphill battle.

Captain, Joe Budd, and winger, Lewis Hardiman, provided the travelling Malvern fans with something to cheer about as the pair continued to put a real shift in. Just before the half, Shipston scored again to make it 22-0 after repeatedly kicking to the corner and driving. During the break, Malvern made two changes. Finn Potter replaced Jones and Elwell, who was making his 1XV debut, was brought on for Hitchings.

Now attacking down the significant slope, Malvern began playing with more confidence and flair. A yellow card was brandished to the home side following an offside infringement. Shipston defended their line well and soon cleared after several promising Malvern attacks. They were given a chance to increase their lead, which they took, making the score 25-0. Although Malvern were staring down the barrel of defeat, they began playing the best rugby of the game. Excellent carries from Tom Bill, Max Richardson and Callum Tinsdale presented Malvern with sound field position. From this, Harvery Smedley noticed Hardiman in space out wide and kicked brilliantly to the winger to touch down.

Malvern’s tails were well and truly up and hooker, Glen Potter, embarked on a marauding run through the middle of Shipston’s defence. The home side turned over well and, again, kicked a penalty for 3 points pushing the game further away from Malvern at 28-5. With 30 minutes remaining, Malvern brought on club legend, Grant Fraser, who steadied the scrummage. Max Richarson scored soon after from a scrum to edge his side closer at 28-12.

The game was now going at a ferocious pace and Shipston had another player sent for a ten-minute breather. Malvern capitalised on the extra space with Callum Tinsdale making a fine break to feed Hardiman who ran in under the sticks following a neat chip. The score was now at 28-19 but it was regrettably a case of ‘too little, too late’ for the away side as the game finished soon after. Malvern did have chances to grab a bonus point but it wasn’t to be. Shipston were well organised throughout and deserved the win but Malvern will be disappointed to come away with nothing. Next week, the Worcestershire-based side travel to highfliers, Silhillians, for their 9th away fixture of the season. Malvern face Stratford at home on the 25th November for the rearranged match.

Match report by: Tom “The Cube” Hale

Photos: Roger Braddick