Page 31 - The Malvernian - December 2023

THE MALVERNIAN
Barbarians
In a unique fixture to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the game of Rugby, Will Clayton and Fergus Morris played their part in creating an extremely competitive and memorable match. Having run into a 21-0 lead in the first 20 minutes, scoring out wide with elusive running and intricate handling in true Barbarians’ style, the Rugby 1st XV fought back with a more direct approach to peg things back to 21-21 at the break. Will Clayton, already on the scoreboard, having finished off a well worked move out wide in the first half, then ran in another as the Barbarians once again took a 33-21 lead. Fergus Morris, coming off the bench for two separate stints to cover Scrum Half, rather than his usual Fly Half position, formed part of a sterling defensive effort each time he came on but the Barbarians would go on to regret some missed opportunities from the first half with Rugby scoring quickly twice to level the scores at 33 all. With ten minutes to go Rugby continued their relentless attacks, keeping the ball narrow and driving up the middle and were eventually rewarded when their loosehead went over to score the winner, making it a 38-33 victory for the hosts.
This was a superb game of rugby, with the visiting Barbarians school boys playing in a manner which did the illustrious BaBa’s jersey proud. Players from both teams had proved that the sport is in very good hands moving forward for its next 200 years.
After the game, the players, match officials, and other rugby dignitaries all gathered in the Rugby school hall for a dinner event and prize giving. There was a palpable sense of togetherness amongst all of the players. This was a historic occasion and a very fitting way to celebrate 200 years of the sport. It was a privilege for Malvern College to have been a part of this and Will Clayton and Fergus Morris can both be very proud of the way in which they represented both the school and the game of rugby.
Justin Major | Housemaster No.2
THE MALVERNIAN
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