Rugby Union - Hale on form but Malvern miss out (From Ledbury Reporter)

Rugby Union - Hale on form but Malvern miss out

9:00am Saturday 27th October 2012 in Sport

IMPROVING Malvern could not halt Redingensians Rams’ progress as the Spring Lane hosts lost 22-15 in National League Three South West.

Following the previous week’s 29-28 loss at struggling Oxford Harlequins, their self-belief will have been boosted by a better display against one of the preseason promotion favourites.

The sides tested each other in a tense first half-hour with the big Berkshire pack keeping Malvern’s defence busy.

The stalemate was broken when the visitors forced a scrum and switched the ball to go over in the corner.

Malvern forced a five-metre scrum and their lighter pack drove Rams backwards with winger Tom Hale collecting a loose ball to speed through, making it 5-5 at half-time.

The second period saw Malvern press hard but they lost centre Nick Miller to injury.

However, Rams infringed at a breakdown and Adam Dixon put over the penalty in the 54th minute.

But the Reading team brought their big forwards into play more to snatch back the lead with a converted try on the hour mark.

Rams went further ahead through a penalty and ensured the victory with a try from what appeared to be a forward pass.

Malvern, however, showed plenty of spirit and replied as James Southall’s jinking run caused confusion and Luke Milton scored in the corner.

Dixon converted to ensure a losing bonus point as Malvern could feel aggrieved not to at least share the spoils.