Ellesmere Beats Malvern, 19-14

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30201, 5 August 1963, Page 14

Ellesmere Beats Malvern, 19-14

In a bright, open game in which fortunes fluctuated throughout, the Ellesmere senior Rugby team beat Malvern, 19-14, in a sub-union match at Sheffield on Saturday. Both teams scored four tries. Ellesmere deserved to win because of the sounder teamwork by its forwards. Ellesmere kicked off with the breeze at its back, and soon had Malvern in trouble. From rucks near the Malvern line Ellesmere scored two tries and converted both. Malvern came back vigorously, and after runs by J. Hotop. M. Milliken and F. Mitchell. A. Hopklnson scored in a handy position and Hotop converted. Ellesmere scored again after a fine run by R. Grant, and Malvern retaliated. Hotop making a brilliant break to send Milliken across the line for a try. Just before half-time D. Happer scored for Ellesmere from a melee near the line, making the score Ellesmere 16. Malvern 8. In the second half Malvern came back strongly, but some handling lapses ruined good chances. Ellesmere cleared to

the Malvern line and gained a penalty goal to increase its lead. Malvern dominated the remaining 20 minutes of play and scored two further tries to make the final score 19-14. Ellesmere fielded a hardworking pack, ably led by W. Scott. The Ellesmere forwards were quicker to the loose ball and were quick to capitalise on their opponents' mistakes. They tended to neglect a backline in which R. Wards looked particularly dangerous at times. N. Alexander was a fine full-, back for Ellesmere, taking the ball cleanly and gaining much ground from line kicks. Malvern used its backs effectively on many occasions, B. Glass and Hotop. in particular, giving thrust in mid-field. M. Redfern (centre) and Milliken (wing) both had several good runs. L. Adams and Hopkinson toiled hard throughout the game for Malvern, with solid support from D. Eastmond and K. O’Reilly. The referee was Mr C. Croft, of Culverden. Tries for Ellesmere were scored by C. Heslop. S. Childs. B. Watkins, and D. Happer. Hislop converted two and kicked a penalty goal. For Malvern, A. Hopkinson, M. Milliken, M. Redfern, and L. Young scored tries. J. Hotop converted one. Lower Grades The results at lower grade matches were:— Under 20.—Malvern 11, Ellesmere 9. Under IS.—Malvern 11. Ellesmere 9 Under Sst 71b.—Malvern 3. Ellesmere 3. Under 6st 71b.—Ellesmere 8. Malvern 0. Under sst 71b.—Ellesmere 8. Malvern 5.