Malvern win pre season thriller
Newton Abbot 22 Malvern 26
Malvern took the majority of what is likely to be the first choice squad to Devon last Saturday for a stirring encounter against a Newton Abbot side from the equivalent division in the South West. In sweltering conditions both sides attempted to play an open game to suit the conditions. Whilst there was some evidence of pre-season rustiness, the cut and thrust soon dispelled this and the sizeable crowd were treated to some non-stop entertainment. Malvern’s intent was made known early on when winger Jimmy Aston made inroads with some powerful running to put Adam Billig away, the centre just being held up short of the line. The All Whites countered with a surge upfield, scrum half Mark Dibble setting his backs away and Ben Rudkin only being stopped by some excellent Malvern cover defence.
With both packs evenly matched, it was the home side who opened their account first, working the ball until gaining a penalty, the try coming from the resulting catch and drive. Malvern were quick to respond, driving downfield and hooker Matt Humphreys burst through from 10 metres to score, Adam Dixon claiming the equalising conversion. Another Aston run put Malvern into the danger zone, the All Whites offended and the scrum was chosen, but Malvern conceded a penalty after a good forwards drive. On the half hour, the home side, went into the lead again when the lively dibble once again set his backs off and Rudkin was at the end of an overlap to score in the corner. The Devonians ended the half on the attack again, only some good last gasp defence keeping them out.
Two minutes into the second half the home lead was increased when quick ball from a ruck found its way across to winger Thor Normann to score in the corner and open up a 10 point gap. This spurred Malvern to up their game and some periods of excellent ball retention were rounded off when Owen Jones went over after a catch and drive move, Dixon converting. Just after an hour’s play, Malvern took the lead when Jones was at the end of some excellent movement to go over. With 10 minutes left and Malvern in control, new full back Tommy Hughes received the ball from Aston and went on a jinking 50 metre run through the home defence to score the best try of the game and give Dixon another conversion. With a nine point lead it looked safe for Malvern, but a spirited fight back from Newton Abbot , their forwards offloading ball well, saw Keenan go over with 5 minutes remaining to ensure a grandstand finish, Malvern’s defence holding firm to take the honours.
Malvern’s coaching staff was pleased with the performance, as well as the result. There was an air of confidence in the team’s play courtesy of a good pre-season training programme from Mike Ruddock, a mature performance from the existing and new players alike. Skipper Phil Rawle was pleased with the second half in particular, against a good and physical side. He said he expected the team to keep up the level of intensity shown throughout the season, whilst backs player/coach Adam Billig was impressed with the way the side had dealt with the pressure exerted by a team featuring several former Launceston players.
Malvern open the league campaign against old rivals Burton this Saturday, the kick off at Spring Lane at 3.00pm.
