1XV bow out of RFU Intermediate Cup to Malvern RFC

Camps and Malvern played out an exciting and entertaining cup-tie on a perfect late-summer afternoon with the visitors leading most of the game and running out winners in the end.

Camps started at a good tempo and took an early lead with an excellent try by Barney Edwards. The Oliver brothers combined to excellent effect and a superb pass from fly half Dan Robinson gave Barney the chance to touch down. Dan Robinson converted for a seven point lead.

Malvern were keen to throw the ball about at every opportunity but regained parity in a rather fortunate manner as the ball seemed to be knocked on by a tackling Malvern player and the ball bounced up to another Malvern player who had a clear run to the line.

The visitors were soon in front when the malfunctioning Camp Hill line-out gave Malvern the ball and there was enough room for Malvern to cross the line for a second converted try.

Camps reply was swift when a high tackle on Alex O’Malley in midfield gave Dan Robinson the chance to kick into the corner for an attacking line out. Though initially kept out despite another decisive run by Jimmy Oliver, a subsequent scrum gave Alex O’Malley and Adam Pinfield the opportunity to combine cleverly before sending full back Jordan Oliver through and under the posts.

Parity was short-lived, however, as the visitors had their chance to drive the ball deep into Camps territory from a penalty. The set piece resulted in an easy score for the visitors. Steven Leach, always a threat from the base of the scrum, and Alex O’Malley then combined well and forced the visitors to concede a penalty in midfield. Dan Robinson converted to reduce the deficit to two. The visitors stretched their lead just before half-time when another set piece in the Camps 22 saw the Malvern forward rumble the ball over to take the half-time score to 24-17.

Camps started the second half at a good tempo and they eventually got the try they deserved when another Leach pick up and pass sent scrum half Lloyd Roberts down the wing and his inside pass to the supporting Chris Fensome gave the replacement winger a try on his first team debut. Camps were back to just two points behind and another typical run from Harry Cunningham nearly gave the lively Fensome another try but he was stopped just short.

The winger was again involved from a Malvern 22 drop out when full back Jordan Oliver fed the ball to him in space and when he was stopped prop Will Wallwork carried the ball deep into Malvern territory. This was the pivotal point of the game as Camps had two powerful scrums close to the Malvern line which were somehow resisted by the visitors before the referee penalised the dominant scrum and the pressure was released.

Coach Halbey subsequently received a yellow card and Camps were unable to apply the pressure again to the same extent. Two late tries by the visitors secured their passage into the next game to round off a very entertaining and competitive afternoon.

Next week Camps travel to Burntwood for their first away league game, kick off 3.00 pm.

All support will be very welcome.

Gusto Restaurants Man of The Match was awarded to Harry Cunningham by Vice Chair, Karen Gibbons