MALVERN’S late-season winning streak continued against feisty Sutton Coldfield side Spartans as they took narrow revenge for a 33-29 defeat in December.

They won 34-29 for their fifth victory in a row after an enthralling encounter to go fifth in Midlands Two West (South) which is one better than last season.

Malvern started with intent and Will Gough was unlucky to be held up in his bid for a try.

Both sides played a running game and Spartans moved the ball quickly into the home 22.

But the Spring Lane side responded by taking the ball from their own line with Jack Curtis breaking quickly and feeding George Amphlett.

He put Tom Hale away and the captain for the day added to his impressive try tally with Ben King converting.

Malvern continued their high-intensity play with Curtis winning a penalty and then the ball found its way back to him to score a fine try.

Spartans had trouble coming to terms with the fluid movement and Hale forced a penalty which King despatched.

The best try of the day was next as Adam Dixon passed out of the tackle to Amphlett whose sheer pace left the defence trailing as he went over and King again converted.

At 22-0 Malvern appeared to be cruising but Spartans showed why they have been near the top for most of the season as they moved the ball upfield to score in the corner just before half-time.

The second period saw a rejuvenated Spartans win a series of penalties, opting for the scrum each time before the referee finally awarded them a penalty try which was converted.

With their tails up they created a few nerves among the home support and ran in another converted try to bring them within three points.

More nerves showed when Malvern's Richard Hobbs was sin-binned although stout defence kept the visitors out and Hale was held up as they countered.

With scrum-half Niall Potter-Farrant suffering a bad leg injury Amphlett had to stand in at nine for the first time.

A Spartans penalty was poorly hit and only found young Malvern lock Ben Richards who put Conor Giggle in for Malvern’s try bonus and an eight-point gap.

Spartans refused to lie down and responded with another converted try to bring the gap back to a solitary point.

Curtis then produced fine interplay and chipped the ball ahead for Ieuan Mustow to gather and score with King’s conversion restoring the advantage.

Spartans kicked a penalty but time was up and Malvern had added to their winning streak.

They go into their final home fixture of the season on Saturday, April 22, against Nuneaton Old Edwardians who beat them 15-13 in the first match of the campaign.