Match report

22nd November 2009

Match: Malvern B v LRFC- B – 22.11.09 (Away)

Result: Malvern RFC 25. Ledbury RFC 40.

Scorers for Ledbury:

Try: Toby Cotton (2), Alex Seager (2), Kieran Smith, Barnabas Seager, Amber Wilkins, Henry Thomas.

Team Sheet:

Amber Wilkins, Rhodri Whittaker, Toby Cotton, Dan Smith, Henry Thomas, Dan Hamlin, Alex Seager, Noah Jevon, Tom Kinsella, Kieran Smith, Oliver Jones, Barnabas Seager.

The weather didn’t bode well for an open game as the rain lashed the pitch right up until kick off when, as if a switch had been flicked, both wind and rain abated and Malvern were able to kick off in good conditions.

Both sides fielded unfamiliar line-ups and spent the opening few minutes familiarising themselves and probing the opposition for weaknesses. Ledbury gelled quickly and, following a prolonged period of pressure close to the home teams’ line, eventually created an opening in Malverns’ defence for Toby Cotton to cross for Ledbury’s first try.

The second try came immediately from the restart, which was well caught by the visitors defence and driven deep into their opponents half eventually forcing a defensive scrum just 20metres out from the line. Ledbury’s pack, performing well in the set piece despite appearing to be outgunned by Malvern’s larger front row, forced the home side to cede possession and Alex Seager picked up to run in for his first try.

There was no respite for Malvern as Kieran Smith ran in the third try shortly after the restart following a fine break out of defence by Dan Hamlin who performed impressively throughout.

The fourth try was a corker. Toby Cotton received the restart with aplomb and immediately passed the ball to Barnabas Seager, acting as first receiver, to run straight through Malvern’s entire defensive line to score a long range try.

By this time Malvern’s heads had dropped and they soon conceded try number 5 after a series of rucks were won by Ledbury and Alex Seager spotted Amber Wilkins in space on the right wing. His pass was timed to perfection and Amber outsprinted several defenders to score an excellent try.

Alex was also instrumental in the final try of the half when his break and eventual offload created space for Toby Cotton to exploit and complete his brace of tries.

The halftime whistle came as a relief to a beleaguered home side and their coach set about restoring their battered confidence before the second half. It was soon apparent that whatever he said had its desired effect as Malvern came out with real intent and desire and quickly put Ledbury under pressure near their line. Eventually the visitors defence buckled and Malvern claimed their first try sparking a revival which was only partially dented by Ledbury’s seventh try.

Malvern fumbled the restart conceding a scrum close to their line from which Ledbury chipped possession over the stretched defence when simple passing through the backs would surely have resulted in a try for the winger. Fortunately Malvern made a hash of picking up the rolling ball and Alex Seager was able to pick up the loose ball and drop over the line for his highly deserved second touchdown.

Malvern bounced back immediately and, with self belief growing all the time, won a maul close to Ledbury’s line allowing them the simple task of driving over from close range for their second try.

The home side’s third try was created by their pack, which was now starting to dominate the set pieces, who won a scrum close to Ledbury’s line providing possession for their half back to run in from just a few metres out.

Ledbury again bounced back through Henry Thomas who chased the restart kick forcing a fumble from the defenders who coughed up the ball allowing Henry to run in from 15metres out tacking a couple of tacklers with him.

Fittingly, following their remarkable fight-back, it was Malvern who had the last word scoring the final try of a pulsating match just minutes before the final whistle.

Ledbury’s performance on the day, with an unfamiliar front row, was highly encouraging and bodes well for the future of the under twelve squad which is growing in strength from week to week. Malvern also deserve a mention for the spirit and determination they showed in the second half to make it an exciting and enthralling contest.

A big well done to all concerned.