MALVERN travelled the short distance to lower-ranked Droitwich for a North Midlands Shield quarter-final with a dozen regular squad players unavailable and lost 41-19.

Faced with the unbeaten Midlands Three West (South) leaders who were bolstered with several recruits from higher-ranked Bromsgrove it was always going to be a tough task.

However, Malvern, blooding more of last season’s colts side, ensured the game was competitive from the first whistle to the end.

The introduction of Ben Richards into the second row gave the set scrum a bit more stability than of late but Droitwich countered with a pick-and-drive game orchestrated by their impressive number eight who showed his experience throughout from a higher level.

With two ex-Bromsgrove props in the mix as well the home side started to dominate the loose play although Malvern’s impressive skirmishing back row of Sam Parsons, Jack Curtis and John Friths forced many turnovers.

With Malvern full of running against a strong wind the home defence was tested several times.

But Droitwich were dangerous on the counter-attack and made the strong wind behind them count, securing line-outs and putting in catch-and-drive moves to score three times in the first half.

The wind dropped considerably during the second half so Malvern were unable to use it to such great effect although Adam Dixon had a fine game in his playmaker role at stand-off.

Despite conceding another try Malvern stuck to their guns, scavenging a loose ball which was quickly passed from Ben King to Luke Milton before finding the looping Curtis whose blistering pace saw him open Malvern’s account.

King converted and Malvern’s tails were up as they ran again at the Droitwich defence, stealing the ball and winning a penalty to the home 22 line.

A controlled drive saw them force Droitwich back and veteran prop Mark Chivers, making a rare first XV appearance, went over from about five metres.

King again converted and Malvern were within two scores.

The impressive Richards was replaced by James Phipps, while Nathan Beasley-Suffolk came on for Conor Giggle, bringing on more of the young guns.

Droitwich went further ahead again after a penalty in front of the posts saw them opt for a driving scrum but Malvern would not lie down, forcing their way downfield and winning a penalty.

The subsequent drive saw scrum-half Niall Potter-Farrant touch down but as time ran out Droitwich scored two further tries to secure their semi-final place.

Although Malvern were beaten on the day they came away with many positives, showing once more their youth policy is starting to pay dividends.

All of the colts who have played for the senior squad have slotted in extremely well and proved the investment in youth and mini rugby at Spring Lane is well worth all the time and effort expended.

Mid-table Malvern host fourth-placed Berkswell and Balsall tomorrow.

Midlands Three West (South) fixtures see second-placed Ledbury host Woodrush and Upton visit fellow strugglers Old Wheatleyans.

Midlands Four West (South) title hopefuls Bromyard go to Harbury.