A STRONG first-half helped Malvern through to the North Midlands Shield semi-finals with a 20-12 win over Old Yardleians.

With both sides suffering from late changes and non-availability, the match was unlikely to produce a high-scoring thriller like their Midlands Two West (South) encounter which ended 44-31.

But Malvern started brightly at Spring Lane with good possession, running the ball in the windy, slippery conditions.

They put in a drive to the visitors' line, winning a five-metre scrum.

A cross-field kick for the winger went into touch but Malvern stole the ball and put in several phases with George Withers going over.

Ben King converted and Malvern, with a strong wind at their backs, were in complete control.

They added to the scoreline when Nathan Dunford offloaded for Ben Essenhigh, who sprinted through for a second try.

The hosts continued to press, pinning Yards back for long periods while defending well when conceding possession.

Malvern ripped the ball away from their opponents at a maul and won a penalty, gaining 10 metres for dissent to the referee.

King made no mistake from 40 metres to increase the points advantage.

Shortly before the break, the score was increased when Malvern drove the Birmingham side’s scrum back and Withers touched down his second score of the match.

But King’s conversion attempt unluckily bounced back off an upright.

The second period started brightly for Malvern as they again drove to the Yards line only to knock-on. As the Worcestershire side started to use their replacements, the much heavier Yards pack finally got their tactics right and pressured the home scrum.

Malvern's Richard Hobbs was sin-binned after desperate defence and Yards won a series of scrums.

They resulted in the inevitable penalty try as Malvern struggled to contain them.

Yardls concentrated on the tight game and inspired fine defensive work from Malvern, who at times seemed to be under siege in their own 22-metre area.

Late on, Yards won a penalty and forced a five-metre line-out before working the ball to their left winger, who went over for an unconverted try.

But Malvern's defence held firm for the rest of the game to come away victorious.