Malvern U12s at Cheltenham Festival 29/11/09
Nov
Testing weather conditions did not dampen Malvern spirits as they worked hard to overcome a slow start and claim a respectable ninth place overall in the sixteen team Cheltenham U12s festival.
In their opening game against the hosts, the Malvern backs struggled to move the ball through wet hands; conceding several scrums from knock-ons. Cheltenham made the most of this and ended up winners by 10-0 as Malvern failed to relieve the pressure on their defence.
In their second game, Malvern faced Longlevens and they were by no means outclassed as both teams struggled with the soft ground. Eventually beaten 10-5, Malvern needed a result from their final pool match to get a good play off position.
Luctonians played well but Malvern scored the only try of the final pool game and were unlucky to have a good second try disallowed.
The play off semi-final against Painswick started untidily with possession being easily lost by both sides. Malvern scored the winning try from a well set up rolling maul and kept Painswick under pressure for most of the game.
The play off final against Marlborough saw Malvern absorbing early pressure as they were pinned back on their try line. With the crowd behind them, Malvern fought back and scored the first try. Marlborough soon responded with their first try but a good Malvern drive in the second half secured the game making a good end to a very cold and blustery tournament.
