Malvern 20 - Syston 9
Malvern signalled the end of a poor run of results by putting a halt to Syston’s winning sequence of six on the trot. The visitors from Leicester played a typical East Midlands forward-dominated game, whilst Malvern were keen to get the ball moving quickly out to the back line. Both sides tussled for supremacy over the first quarter, Malvern stifling the Syston pack and making some dangerous forays. Chris Griffiths and Tom Longley both made breaks to put Malvern in strong positions, but the exchange referee, who seemed a little lost at the breakdown, continually penalised the home side, allowing the visitors to clear. As Syston tried to make inroads through their pack, Malvern rebuffed them, keeping play in the middle of the park. Matt Humphreys was sin-binned as the official’s whistle sounded yet again, but even down to 14 men it was clear that the Spring Lane side were getting on top. A series of penalties as they drove deep into the away 22 finally set up the opening score from the boot of Adam Dixon in the 26th minute and four minutes later Adam Billig broke and Tom longley was on hand to score in the corner. Dixon’s kick from wide sailed through the uprights for the extra two points. Malvern continued to run the ball, winger James Bennett eventually earning the Waitrose Man of the Match champagne with a dazzling display of running to set up his team mates on several occasions. With the Malvern forwards showing plenty of fire and determination, they unfortunately lost Christian Edwards to injury, the experienced Simon Daws replacing him. Prop Jamie Tsang was well to the fore with some excellent drives and the engine room of Matt Williams and Andy Cannock provided plenty of grunt and good line out ball for the half backs to set the back line up. Syston pulled back three points just before the break through Ian Smith, but the teams turned around with Malvern in control.
Playing against the strong, gusting wind in the second half, Malvern stuck to the game plan, clearing every time Syston kicked for territory and running the ball back. Longley, Bennett and Griffiths all went on forays upfield whilst Billig, back from injury, showed plenty of skill to make penetrating runs at the stretched Syston defence. The visitors started to drop as the Malvern forwards battered and drove, and three injuries in quick succession saw the scrums go uncontested, which was actually to Syston’s advantage. They kicked downfield, Malvern transgressed and Smith’s penalty brought them back to within four points. The gap soon increased again when Malvern continued to put in wave after wave of attacks. Billig burst through, almost to the line, and Ollie Marshall scored his first try in a Malvern shirt as he picked up and drove over. With seven minutes left Smith bagged another penalty for Syston, but there was no stopping the rampant Malvern backs as they ran the ball from the restart, passing it along the line for Ieuan Mustow to use some blistering pace to run in the final try.
Head Coach Liam Hughes was delighted with the fire, spirit and skill shown by his team. “Having come off the back of a poor run and an enormous injury list, the lads were determined to show their true colours to their home supporters today, and did so with some style. With so many youngsters in the side, it takes time to adjust to the level of intensity demanded at this level of rugby, but they showed signs of what they can do last week at Rugby Lions and put it into practice on the pitch today. What happens on a Saturday is a direct result of the enormous amount of preparation in training – we develop a game plan, work on individual skills and prepare as best we can with the squad available for each opposition team. We have plenty of potential in this squad and it will be realised more and more as the season progresses.”
Malvern take a break from league duties this Saturday as they host Old Halesonians in a North Midlands Cup quarter final tie. The visitors, who have some significant financial backing, feature some players who will be familiar faces at Spring Lane, which should add some spice to the tie. Kick off will be at 2.00pm to allow for extra time if necessary.
