Match Report

Old Pats enjoy the sun in friendly run-out against Malvern

With the warmth of the early Spring sun finally making its presence felt, the colts made their way to Worcestershire and Malvern’s picturesque ground under the shadow of the eponymous hills. Since it was Mothering Sunday, both sides were a little depleted – them more than us which may say something about our relative love for rugby and our maternal parents.

12

Tries 2

Conversions 1

46

Tries 8

Conversions 3

We donated several players, mostly forwards, throughout the match to the opposition, with Dan H playing the whole game for them, plus sundry others migrating between teams as the match ebbed and flowed. From the off, we were intent on moving the ball, and our combination of strong carries and swift off-loading was creating space for our quick runners to gain ground. It was obvious that the two teams were at different stages of their development, and a couple of quick tries prompted a rearrangement in personnel and positions.

It does no one any good to be involved in a one-sided rout, and appropriate alterations to the sides were made to maintain as competitive a game as possible. This resulted in some unfamiliar combinations taking shape with the powerful and prolific wing, Callum reverting to his previous role at hooker, our entire back row playing in the centre or at full-back, and Aiden showcasing his array of talents at scrum half for much of the game.

Nonetheless, we had to play our game, and the tries came with regularity. Some great handling and off-loading saw us cross the line with the outstanding pace and power of Olly A, covering 60 meters to put him under the posts after being put through a gap by Sam.

At half time, with a powerhouse pack bolstered by some of our finest, Malvern mounted something of a recovery scoring two tries of their own with Ethan crashing over wearing opposition colours for the first.

But we still had too much in reserve for the result ever to be in much doubt, and as Malvern began to tire, we moved the ball again through the hands from under our own posts.

Sam put George into space, and his perfectly timed off-load found the ridiculously rapid Harry. With the defence swarming to cover, he stepped left, right, left and disappeared from view, leaving an academy stalwart grasping at thin air. The head coach loved it! There’s no substitute for pace, and we have lots of it.

Malvern are a great club with values that match ours. They made us very welcome and gave us a workout prior to the remaining games of the season. Back to the league games and the rest of the season. Allez les Pats!