Match Report- Malvern 31 v Droitwich 5 - 22/8/24 🗞️

A large Malvern team squad turned out on Thursday against a Droitwich side both the first and second XV teams are familiar with. As it was, they ran out comfortable winners, scoring five tries to one.

From the kick off, the pressure was all Malvern. Having gone close, a knock released the pressure for the visitors. This with a fortunate fly hack on created a good situation for a fired up Droitwich pack. Wave after wave of phases came and went, with Droitwich inside the 5 metre line for 15 phases or more. Cometh the hout, cometh the man as great defence from Tom Bill saw an eye wincing chop tackle under posts to stop a certain try.

The Vern regrouped and after 10 mins great arrows on halfway in the lineout, saw a long pass find Gaubert who in a run reminiscent of his Dad's back in the day sauntered over from half way rounding several players on his way to the white wash! Callow converted the score 7 0.

Then, after 22 mins, a flowing move in backs saw Campbell over in the corner to move the leade out fuether 12 0.

Moments later, a sliced clearance kick fielded by Callow saw Bill go thru a ruck and break open the field. Several pairs of hands later, Smedley collected to dive over for a super try. That took us to half as the rhythm stalled slightly as new players rotated onto the field.

The second half started as the first, with Malvern on the attack. Several close calls ultimately saw overwheming pressure build, and finally, a Curtis pick and drive over the line pushed the scoreboard forward. Callow again converted for a 24 to 0 lead.

The large section of spectators watched as the light faded.

A series of penalties allowed the visitors to progress up the field as the gloom set in and field darkened. Droitwich, with some good handling, worked the ball near the posts 24 5, surprisingly not converted. Malvern rolled on a huge tranche of subs to give everyone a run out.

In the final minutes, Mcnally scores out wide, outpacing the defence. Callow converted. Then, with 10 minutes technically left, the ref called the game as the light completely faded.

Malvern can take many positives in the lineout and chop tackling, something the coaching team and training structure can claim as a huge success from the preseason training program.

The focus now moves on to the main business, the new league season.

Match report and photos by Dave “Beechy” Beech