MALVERN RFC won for a ninth game in a row as they edged past Stratford Upon Avon last weekend to remain in second place in the Regional 2 West Midlands table.

It was a low scoring affair with hosts Stratford actually outscoring Malvern two to one in terms of tries scored, but the boot of Dan Batty once again ensured Malvern's remarkable run continued.

Jasper Windsor-Clive's try mid-way through the half and conversion from Batty gave the visitors a 7-5 lead at the break.

Batty kicked two further penalties in the second-half before Stratford scored a converted try to set up a grandstand finish, but Malvern were able to hold on for the nervy victory.

The game started with Malvern repeatedly on the attack forcing Stratford onto the back foot but it took until half an hour to make that dominance count on the scoreboard.

A scrum penalty gave number eight Franco Bent the chance to surge forward off the base and centre Windsor-Clive was able to then take the ball on and find a way over the line.

The home side responded just before the break when they managed a try in the corner but the missed conversion meant Malvern remained two points ahead.

Into the second-half and it was a tight affair but Batty kicked his first penalty of the day to extend the lead.

Batty again converted from the tee mid-way through the second to make it a 13-5 game and the away side were seemingly on their way to a ninth win.

But it was not as straight forward as that as Stratford came within a point thanks to a converted try of their own.

There was some late nerves but in the end Malvern held on to win once again.