League Leaders too strong for Malvern

Bromsgrove 54 Malvern 5

Malvern, still vastly understrength through a long injury list, travelled to Finstall Park to meet in-form league leaders Bromsgrove. After a good start by the Spring Lane men the good work was undone when a lazily looped pass was easily intercepted for a converted try. This was the signal for the Boars to flex their not inconsiderable muscle as they won a series of penalties deep in the Malvern half before forcing their way over for a second score. Malvern then contributed to the Bromsgrove cause with a poor restart from which the home side benefitted, winning the scrum then cutting through some poor defence to add to the tally. Another poor restart, more ineffective tackling and the bonus point had been secured within 20 minutes. Malvern were still competing gamely, but the Boars' firepower was such that they struggled to contain them and just when Malvern were in a good position the ball was ripped away and run in for another score. Just before the break, a powerful forward drive took the score to 42-0 at half time, and Malvern were seemingly looking at the wrong end of a record score unless things were tightened up.

Rob Cook and Nick Tisdale must have said something encouraging at the break, because although Bromsgrove twice added to their score, Malvern's tackling became more effective and they started to control the forward surges better and shut down the pacy Boars' backs well. A reward for this improvement was earned when Conor Giggle pounced on a Bromsgrove pass and sped downfield to score. A few minutes later Jack Curtis almost got a second but was overhauled within yards of the line. Malvern then competed until the final whistle, and although they were handed another heavy reverse, the spirit still showed through.

With the worst injury list in the club's history, malvern are well and truly anchored at the foot of the table. They now have a rest week before hosting Droitwich at home, but this will mean perhaps only a couple of players able to return to duty, with most of the injuries being quite long term. However, the players that are available will give of their best and those stepping up are on a quick, if steep, learning curve which can only benefit them and the club in the long term.