Proud Malvern lose but it’s no disgrace

TO play away at the second placed side in National Three was always going to be too much of a hurdle for Malvern to overcome in this EDF National Trophy cup tie.

With the breeding ground of such illustrious England names as Dooley, Borthwick and Greenwood adorning the walls of a clubhouse which smacked of a long tradition, the Worcestershire amateurs were made warmly welcome by their Lancastrian hosts - off the field, at least.

The speed of thought and fitness demanded at the higher level soon made itself evident as, after some early exchanges of the high ball, Grasshoppers started to move the ball around, their big backs running good angles and switching emphasis to test the Malvern defensive ramparts.

In the seventh minute a good move and a superb pick-up saw the number eight, Retallack, go over for the first try and skipper Bailey opened his 100 per cent conversion rate to put the home side in the lead. It was all Preston from then on as Malvern struggled to keep up with a far faster pace of game, but they defended valiantly for another 14 minutes until the ball was spread wide for a try in the corner, closely followed by a drive through the middle .

With the Malvern back row and three-quarters faced with an endless wave of Preston attacks, three more tries were shipped in.

However; Malvern had been kick-started and, having held their own in the tight, began to find some self confidence. James Hynes, Gareth Taylor and Phil Rawle carried some ball, the pack went on a series of drives and Preston were feeling some pressure, conceding penalties and having a lock binned as the half came to an end.

At 42-0, a rout looked on the cards, especially when Preston scored through the middle straight after half-time. However, Malvern were playing for pride and Chris Hooper put a superb long range penalty into touch near the corner. The pack went on the drive, reaching the line only for the maul to be collapsed deliberately. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try to Malvern. Ted Lang converted and the visitors visibly grew in stature.

Wily veteran prop Steve Cooper gave his opposite number a torrid afternoon and when the pick and drive was put into action the Malvern back row boys were adept at inching their way forwards.

With Preston's line-out being put under pressure, the second half turned into a much more even affair and on the hour Malvern's perseverance was rewarded. From another penalty, Malvern had a line out deep in home territory. The catch and drive was employed and Shaun Lancett came off the side of the maul to dash in for a try.

Preston replied five minutes later as the scrum half went through on the blind side then added another try eight minutes from the end. However, Malvern had the last word as they showed no signs of tiring, opening up for Hooper to break to the line and Julian Lambert to put the finishing touch to a third try.