Old Northamptonians 16 - Malvern 18
Malvern travelled to Billing Road looking for their first win over ON’s at the fifth attempt. The visitors came out of the blocks strongly and played some scintillating rugby, going through eight phases from the kick off and putting the home defence under pressure for sustained periods of play. However, it was the home side that opened the scoring when awarded a wind-assisted penalty, although Malvern resumed their onslaught immediately. Playing up the slope and against a gusting wind didn’t seem to bother the Spring Lane men as they continued to press and they were finally rewarded with a penalty of their own as the ON’s defence became more desperate. From 45 metres and into the teeth of the wind, full back Robin Fransson was totally untroubled as he slotted the ball between the uprights in the 19th minute, and then repeated the feat five minutes later to take the lead for Malvern. As they continued to run the ball, the home defence was guilty of encroaching offside and Fransson again punished them. The East Midlanders pulled back 2 points with a penalty of their own, but Malvern’s Swedish international stuck again just before the half time whistle to give the visitors a 12-6 lead at the break.
With the wind and slope in their favour, Malvern should have been in control once more in the second period, but it was ON’s who struck, going on the attack with a kick and chase to score in the corner two minutes into the half. This brought them within a point but Fransson again edged Malvern further ahead with another penalty. Whilst Malvern again had most of the possession, they weren’t using the elements to full advantage and also tried too often to maul and drive through a stubborn ONs defence rather than use the width of the pitch. Having been camped out on the home 5 metre line, they saw the ball turned over and the home backs sped upfield for a breakaway try in the corner to take the lead with 20 minutes left on the clock. Malvern continued to press as the forwards battle became a bit of a stalemate but a 72nd minute penalty saw Fransson step up to retake the lead and give Malvern the win to break their ON’s duck and stay in the top 3. Whilst it ultimately wasn’t a totally convincing performance, the Malvern players and coaches accepted that they had taken the points by controlling most of the game, but that there is plenty to be worked on in training.
This Saturday sees Malvern entertain old rivals Longton from the Potteries, always a tough fixture, when the game will be preceded by a Former Players lunch. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.
