Fifteen players made the long trip to Warwickshire this afternoon to play Shipston Colts.
In front of a large home crowd and with the slope to their advantage, Shipston started the match strongly and took a commanding lead with three quick try’s.
Despite the early setback the Malvern players didn’t let the their heads drop and as the half progressed they started to grow in confidence and enjoyed several passages of exciting attacking play, orchestrated by the Malvern half backs George G and Conner, as well as displaying a much stronger defence.
As a result the first half ended with no further scores.
Half time: Shipston 19 Malvern 0.
The second half started much the same as the first half finished, with both teams having good attacking opportunities.
At one point some heroic defence by all the Malvern players somehow kept Shipston out.
The Malvern lads were soon rewarded for their defensive effort defence when Jack C started and finished a move deep in the Malvern half. Jack firstly went round three Shipston players, before off loading to Ethan, who in turn passed to Otis and set up a good attacking position. After several more strong runs and good passes, Conner put Ethan through, who with one defender to beat drew his man, before putting Jack C in the clear to race over the line much to the joy of the watching Malvern fans.
Conner converted the try to make the score 19-7.
Malvern now appeared to have the momentum, but following a few missed tackles, Shipston scored a couple more try’s, to extend their lead to 33-7
With time running out Malvern kept going and following a penalty close to the Shipston line Conner went over again to make the final score 33 - 12 to Shipston.
Finally, a special mention to the line out, which was much improved, showing the benefits of midweek training.
Well played everyone, a spirited effort vs a strong Shipston team.
MOM: George Garner for his excellent attacking and defensive display.
