Malvern Academy make storming tournament debut
Aug
Malvern’s Academy side made a first appearance at the Droitwich Colts Tournament last weekend and was the only team to go through the competition without conceding a try. Having brushed aside Sutton Coldfield and Telford Hornets 37-0 and 45-0 respectively, the Malvern youngsters disposed of the strong Bromsgrove team 17-0. However, luck turned against them in the semi-final, losing 3-0 to a Worcester dropped goal and having a seemingly good try disallowed. Worcester eventually lost to Hereford in the final, whilst Malvern rounded off an otherwise satisfactory day by claiming third place by easily defeating Derby.
Skipper Joe Budd’s side impressed all who saw them, so much so that they have been invited to enter the Worcester 7 a side competition this weekend. Malvern Director of Rugby Andy Longley was delighted with the progress the Ian Budd Academy has made in such a short time since its inception. “These lads, having come through our Youth and Minis section have put in a tremendous amount of time and determination since the Academy started last winter. They have trained under the guidance of several first team regulars and many have taken part in senior squad sessions and will continue to do so until the school term starts when they will revert to the dedicated Wednesday sessions. All players will be advised of the full arrangements. They are embraced within the “whole club” ethos that has been developed at Malvern, using the same training drills and plays employed by the senior squad and we look forward to the continuing success of the Academy as it starts to feed more players into senior rugby.”
Malvern’s Ian Budd Academy, named by the late coach who was the driving force behind its inception, caters for the 16 to 19 year olds, bridging the gap between youth and senior rugby, and some of the older players have already made appearances in Malvern’s adult sides.
