MALVERN’S Director of Rugby David Irish believes his young side will be challenging for promotion next year after achieving their aim of finishing in the top six of the Midlands Two West (South), writes Aaron Wise.
Irish, who fielded a squad in its development stage throughout the season, has hailed the team for finishing the campaign in sixth place with 12 wins, despite losing to Berkswell and Balsall 17-12 on Saturday – a result which denied Malvern a top four finish.
Reflecing on his side’s top six finish Irish said: “We knew Berkswell and Balsall would be a tough nut to crack with their forward dominated game, but although we made some errors of judgement, we can’t say this match defines our season.
“We got stronger as the season went on, winning far more matches then we lost and reaching our stated goal of a top six finish.
“We have a team which is still at its development stage, but the experience gained stands them in good stead for next year. We also have members of this year’s Colts side qualifying for senior rugby next season.
“As these young players come through the senior ranks, I have no doubt we will grow into a force to be reckoned with and be challenging for promotion in the near future.
“With a little bit of recruitment we will be able to contend with the best in the league.
“We knew Berkswell and Balsall would be a tough nut to crack with their forward dominated game, but although we made some errors of judgement, we can’t say this match defines our season.”
Berkswell and Balsall, whose win sealed them a fourth place finish, dominated the first quarter with their well drilled pack putting in a catch and drive to open the scoring in the corner.
The same move was repeated not long after to give the visitors a 12-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Malvern play much more positively as they drove forward through the pack to try and get on the scoreboard.
A Malvern onslaught led to a penalty on the five metre line, where Stuart Clark touched down following a catch and drive.
Berkswell and Balsall responded by putting the hosts on the back foot courtesy of a fine penalty kick into the Malvern 22, with the resultant forward drive putting them in for a third try.
Malvern struggled to get back into the game until the latter stages when another catch and drive move saw Will Gough close the gap with a try and conversion.
Although time ran out for the hosts to claim a come back, they ended the season with the consolation of a losing bonus point.