Broadstreet RFC

Broadstreet forced to Ring The Changes Again

The weather at Spring Lane was fine and the pitch flat and drying. Ideal conditions for Rugby. There were several changes to personnel (again). The Nottingham pair of Romey Vassell and Ollie Marchon were not available, a welcome return from injury for Simon Morris to the bench and England Colleges' U19 Jack Howlands was included in the squad for the 1^st time. with Joe Lowery making his first start, at 15.

The first 10 minutes were all played in the hosts half, much of it in their 22. Frustratingly, no points were forthcoming despite the home defence coming under sustained and intense pressure. In the 11^th minute, a good move from the home back resulted in a surge up field. An excellent cover tackle from Brett Chatwin prevented a certain try.

In the 12^th minute an interception try was scored by Malvern, with Dixon going in under the posts and Southwell adding the extras. 7-0.

In the 15^th minute a high tackle on Chris Zutic resulted in 10 minutes in the naughty corner for the Malvern no. 8, Michael Lau Leong. Unfortunately, Dago earned the same punishment for retaliation.

An excellent break and finish by the Malvern 9, Thomas Longley, resulted in a further try for Malvern in the 20^th minute. The conversion was missed. 12-0.

A trademark break by Brett Chatwin in the 24^th minute resulted in an attacking lineout for street. Following a forward drive and 2 attacking scrums Chris Zutic dotted down, Chatwin slotted the conversion. 12-7. This was followed by a 36^th minute penalty goal by Bret Chatwin, caused by the Malvern forwards being off their feet at the ruck. 12-7.

Street were looking good at this point and were starting to dominate possession. However, another quality break for the quick thinking Malvern 9, Longley resulted in a try in the corner for winger James Ashton in the 38^th minute. The conversion was missed. 17-10 to the home side.

A blow to the face saw Joe Lowery replaced in the 39^th minute, with Jack Howlands winning his 1^st cap.

Just before the half time whistle, the Malvern 2^nd row, Matthew Williams, was yellow carded for hands in the ruck. The subsequent penalty was missed.

Half Time Malvern RFC 17 - Broadstreet RFC 10.

The 2^nd half saw Malvern on the attack and an excellent last ditch tackle by Jack Howlands prevented a certain try. Malvern were now starting to enjoy more possession and in the 52^nd minute a penalty was awarded and scored. 20-10.

There followed a period of sustained pressure from Malvern, and 2 tries in the 62^nd and 70th minutes ensured a home win.  32-10.

Another interception , this time by the Malvern sub, Rory Gratwohl, in the 75^th minute earned another 7 points. 39-10.

Final result Malvern RFC 39 - Broadstreet RFC 10.

A below par peformance for the street and no complaints from the players or supporters. Beaten by a better team on the day.

It doesn’t get any easier next week, with the much improved Sheffield Tigers, away.