On a mild evening, the scene was set for the Border Shield. Malvern were hoping to put a dent in Monmouth’s unbeaten start to the season. In the early exchanges there was the belief this could happen.
Playing with the slope, Monmouth and the bounce of the ball was going their way and their clinical finishing stretched Monmouth’s lead to 17-0. Strong defence ensured a turnover in the Monmouth 22 and strong forward pressure resulted in a try for Malvern, scored by James P. 5-17 at half time. Malvern now with the slope, started the half as they finished and a driving line out ensured another score, for the now dominant Malvern pack, the Vice Captain with his second.
10-17, game on.
Malvern were knocking on the door and opportunities were presented, but couldn’t be taken, but it was Monmouth who finished the scoring with a converted try.
It was a passionate performance from the squad and a one they should hold their heads up high from and take into the rest of the season.
