Malvern 62 - Guanos 24
May
Malvern entertained their sponsors on Sunday with a match against Te Guanos, a festive rugby side run like the Barbarians. A representative side with players from Bromsgrove, Dudley-Kingswinford, Stourbridge, and several other junior sides from the area ensured that the large crowd were treated to a fine afternoon’s display. Malvern fielded some guest players in their ranks, including Tom Beechey of Lydney, Ben Barkley of Worcester’s all-conquering Colts from last year and a few others who may yet become regulars in Malvern colours in the future.
Despite Malvern being the hottest spot in the UK, the game was played at a furious pace, the Guanos rule of not kicking penalties ensuring a flow of play throughout.
After the invitation side opened the scoring, Tom O’Brien levelled, and then Richard Fleming rode 3 tackles to set Beechey off on a 40 metre run in. Barkley , Watkins and Beechey all scored tries as play opened up for Malvern to take a 36-5 lead at half time.
The Guanos scored at the start of the second half, running in a try from loose play, but Malvern quickly responded as Beechey chased down a kick ahead, then Fleming got on the score sheet. Fielding the restart kick, Malvern again ran the ball out to Beechey for the speedy winger to run in another try. The Malvern pack , playing superbly, offloaded and Fleming bagged another score. In the last ten minutes the Guanos came back with a couple of scores to round off a highly enjoyable final day of rugby for the season.
Malvern’s Director of Rugby David Robins said “We saw some class acts on the field today on both sides. Hopefully these are the calibre of player we can attract to Malvern to boost the squad as we make the huge step up to Midlands One. “
