A REUNION rugby match between the current Chase 1st XV and a squad of former Chase pupils was hosted by Malvern Rugby Club earlier this week.

The match, one of the very few played under lights at Spring Lane this season, was enjoyed by a large crowd of spectators who were treated to an excellent encounter which ended with a 24-5 victory for the current Chase 1st XV.

The Chase 1st XV were first to score with a try from Tom Core, who capitalised from a moment of confusion behind the Old Boys try line. Then just as the Old Boys were starting to find their rhythm, a fine individual effort from Ollie Knight pushed The Chase 10 points ahead by the break.

Continued pressure by The Chase after the restart resulted in another fine individual effort from Craig Smith, who cut through the Old Boys midfield with blistering pace to score between the posts and give Tim Streather the easiest of conversions.

Trailing 17-0, the Old Boys rallied well and for 10 minutes laid siege to The Chase line, probing and seeking for a way past the disciplined Chase defence. Eventually, a well-controlled maul led by Stu and Nick Clark sucked in the defenders and a quick break down a weakly defended blindside by Ross Tolley and Tim Streather put veteran Chase captain, Jason Tolley in for a score in the corner.

The game looked as if it would end in stalemate as the Old Boys refused to give ground, but a moment of pure magic by The Chase fly-half Matt Tighe sent the Old Boys defence in completely the wrong direction giving Tim Streather the space to score a seven-pointer and to put the match out of the Old Boys reach.

The final score was 24-5 to The Chase 1st XV.

After the match, the two teams and the spectators gathered at the Civil Service Sports & Social Club for a review of the season and the presentation of awards.

Tim Streather received The Chase captains' colours, Joe Smith received the most improved player award and 16-year-old Chris Griffiths received The Chase player of the year trophy.

Paul Brownhill, the new chairman of youth rugby at Malvern RFC said: "Malvern RFC would like to see this event become a regular feature in the community sporting calendar. The rugby club has strong links with The Chase, with many former pupils now established members of the Malvern 1st XV and other senior squads.

"Malvern RFC would like to see this type of event to develop further with the other high schools in the district using the floodlight facilities at Spring Lane for their own reunion matches and awards evenings."