MALVERN Rugby Club persisted with running tactics to overcome hosts Leamington 25-0 in heavy rain in Midlands Two West (South).

They dominated both possession and territory despite playing up the slope during the first half.

After a missed penalty, Malvern fielded the return kick and the ball was shipped out to Tom Hale, who skinned two potential tacklers for the opening score.

With Richard Fleming having his best game for years at centre, Malvern kept up the high-tempo game, with only the greasy ball halting their onward march.

Leamington struggled to contain them and George Withers put in good yards before Malvern were awarded a penalty.

Ben King put the ball over from 37 metres and only poor handling in difficult conditions kept Malvern from adding to the scoreline before the break.

Turning round with the slope in their favour, Malvern pressed and Fleming was again to the fore as he broke the line and worked the ball down the short side.

Lock Dave Smith put in a thundering run before slickly offloading to Will Gough, who went over to score.

Malvern’s defence was exemplary and the tackling kept Leamington’s players subdued.

The young half-back pairing of Laurie Essenhigh and Joe Budd gave good ball for Fleming, while Smith and Jack Longley were majestic in the line out.

Grant Fraser came on to lock up the front row and Stuart Clark made an appearance after several weeks out with injury.

Malvern won a penalty to take them to the five-metre line and a well-controlled catch and drive saw Clark claim the touchdown.

They went on the hunt for the fourth bonus-point try with Hale feeding skipper Luke Milton to run in from 30 metres, and Adam Dixon converted.