The Malones Old Boys Rugby Club cemented their place in the opening weekend of the year with their third and most successful bi-annual Memorial Match on Sunday 13th September. Established in 2005 to raise money for charities in memory of two Marlburians from the 2003 year, it raised another impressive total of £1,600 from the sale of t-shirts and post-match refreshment throughout the college pupils, staff and parents.

Preparations for the match took an unexpected and daunting turn when an unprecedented twenty players turned up on the Saturday afternoon to support the 1st Colts on the XV and to have a light training session themselves. A few red faces and a lot of huffing and puffing later (ten minutes later), it seemed the Malones might have had dedication on their side but perhaps not conditioning. Unperturbed, the squad settled down in a number of welcoming Marlborough high street establishments that evening to enjoy an altogether more natural and familiar environment.

So it was on Sunday morning that twenty red-eyed and slightly apprehensive looking players shuffled into Polly’s, bolstered by another ten freshly arrived Old Boys. The training, lead by Club Captain Mike Roberts, was intense and focussed and by kick off the team was looking ready to play. Despite being in possession of a squad of thirty players the Malones were unable to break down a well-drilled and youthful Cheltenham team. Some powerful and abrasive forward work from the Marlborough Old Boys eventually began to tell as Rob Goatley rumbled over after a thumping hit from James 'Truckload' Lewis and some good link up play with Ed Colclough, later to become a try scorer himself. As Half- time approached the squad size and unity began to play its part and soon the Malones raced over for a second try courtesy of some attractive rugby from an All Star backline, memorable moments coming from Tom Berry, in for the injured Ed Atkin, and Fraser Clarke in at fly- half. The match finished three tries to nil and the Malones retain their unbeaten record on the XV. Fraser Clarke took Man of the Match for his impressive marshalling of the game and creative flair as well as kicking two of the conversions.

A heartfelt thank you from all the Malones to the Marlborough pupils and staff for their contributions, to the many dedicated parents and also to Cheltenham, captained by Jack Avery, for their spirit and good humour.

This event wouldn’t have run so smoothly without the help of Julian Hodgson, Charlie Harrison and the skillful, fluid refereeing of Simon Ellis. We thank the Master and the College’s Senior Management team for their ongoing support for the Malones.

Alex Greer (Club Secretary)
Peter Cakebread (U21 Captain)
Jamie Geddes (U21 Captain)