[Herr] Vinst borta mot Malmö RC

*Uppdaterad med matchrapport* En mycket start första halvlek bäddade för en vinst mot Malmö RC under gårdagen, 40 - 30. Gripen hade ledningen hela matchen men det var spännande in i det sista.

Following the win against Karlstad Gripen were hoping for a 2nd win
in a row to ensure they kepted in contention in the Division 1 play-
offs. Malmö are always a tough team and we expected nothing different
this time. The Gripen team had to re-shuffle from the last match due to some players being unavailable.

The 1st half kicked off and from the start Gripen played well and took
control of the game. The rucks & mauls were excellant and the lineout
was superb with Emil taking everything! The back line fuctioned well
even though it was largely inexperienced with some strong runs by
Martin at fullback. It wasnt long before Gripen scored their 1st try
through Simon after some good inter-play with backs & forward. Erik
converted. Not long after Gripen had a penalty chance and took it after
Malmö were repeatedly penalised for not releasing the tackler. 10- 0 up
and the situation looked good. However, Malmö have some experienced
players and soon scored a converted try. 7-10.

This though seemed to spur Gripen into more action and again they
soon scored another try through Emil after a great blindside move
involving Jim. Erik Converted. Gripen had the momentum and kepted
the pressure up on Malmö and added further tries through Emil &
Makke who scored on his debut. Another penalty and Gripen were well
ahead in the match. Malmö however, refused to lie down and scored
a late try in the 1st half. At half time the score was 14-32 and Gripen had
played a great half. The back row of Herman, Jim & Emil were very
effective!

The 2nd half kicked off and it was no surprise that Malmö came back
at Gripen and applied plenty of pressure! They had changed their
game plan and now started to win lineout, rucks & mauls etc. Pressure
eventually told and they scored. In fact the 3rd quarter belonged to
Malmö as they came back to within one converted try with the points
at 25-32! Both sides were trying hard to gain the upper hand and it was
exciting to watch. The last 20mins Gripen re-grouped somewhat and at
last were gaining territory and from a scrum 10metres out GP saw the
gap and scored a great individual try next to the posts! Erik converted!
25-37! But Malmö were not done and scored another try to make it
30- 37! The clock was ticking down and the Gripen supporters were
getting nervous! Who would scored next? It was Gripen, another penalty
which Erik took well and the scores were 30 – 40! This score seemed to
deflate Malmö and after a few more minutes the whistle was blown and
Gripen had beaten Malmö!!

Now Gripen are right back in the league and we can look forward to our
next match away to Lund 20th August!

Extra credit to Emil who played verly well and showed why the Sweden national team coach have his eyes on him, GP for an excellent scrumhalf try and Jim, Erik, Maake and Martin who all played superb rugby. It seams Jim is getting better and better...

Squad – Rocco, Niklas R, Simon, Patrik, Calle, Ofer, Herman, Jim,
Emil, GP, Erik, Sebbe, Maake, Osker, Tim, Martin, Mark, Ben, Tofty.

/ Gareth Leppitt