Malvern U12s 15 pts, Hereford U12s 30 pts

The Malvern coaches used this match to give the whole U12s squad a run out against a strong Hereford side and it proved to be very entertaining.

Hereford made an immediate impact with a first minute score after Malvern knocked on from the kick off, conceding a scrum close to their try line.

Malvern responded to the early setback with some excellent rucking and mauling pushing the Visitors back into their own territory. A fourth minute try by Harry Robinson was just reward after an impressive series of plays which combined some slick passing by the backs with some hard fought yards from the forwards.

Malvern had now clearly stepped up their game and a good run from the restart by Jake Wrafter made useful yards as the packs fought hard to dominate the possession and make headway. The ball changed hands several times with some good tackles going in from both sides but after five hectic minutes of open play it was Malvern who finally took control giving their backs a chance to stretch the Visitor’s defence. As the gaps appeared in the Hereford line it was Jack Curtis who broke into space and made a dash along the wing to dive for a Malvern try.

Malvern changed their forward line up in the second quarter and for the first five minutes Hereford were half a yard faster to the ball at the break down. Malvern managed to neutralise the Visitor’s speed with some good counter rucking and poaching, pushing Hereford back and eventually forcing them to make a desperate clearance kick to defend their line.

Hereford followed up their kick well and managed to put the pressure back on Home side but Malvern retaliated with their own very successful kick and chase to create a good scoring chance. Having gained good territory from their kick, Malvern missed out on the try after some indiscipline in the ruck when the referee spotted hands on the ball.

The second half started with more Malvern line up changes and an early Hereford try but an excellent kick from Miles Richardson at the restart was collected by Jack Curtis which immediately put Hereford back under pressure.

Malvern worked hard to get over the Hereford line but were held back with some good defensive work from the Visitor’s which resulted in a counter attack and a third Hereford try.

In the fourth quarter the Hereford Wings made the most of an inexperienced Malvern defence to add a further three tries to their tally. Near the end of the quarter, Malvern responded with a try when Sam Hughes pushed over but it was too late to build any attacking momentum.

With a busy fixture list coming up this game was a good demonstration of the strength in depth of both Malvern U12 squads.

Nick Hall

Updated: 17 March, 2010