Old Northamptonians 29, Malvern 8.

MALVERN slumped to their second successive National Three Midlands defeat to fall to ninth in the table.

The home side put over their first penalty of many in the opening minute. However, Malvern responded well and took the game up the slope to the Old Northamptonians and put in several dangerous moves, probing the defence well.

Adam Billig, returning after several weeks out with a hamstring injury, brought back some incisiveness to the Malvern back-line and was duly rewarded with a fine try for his side to take the lead.

However, a recurrence of a hamstring problem forced him off, to be replaced by Matt Humphreys, whose utilitarian skills saw him take up position on the wing. Andy Longley’s side then conceded another kickable penalty for the East Midlanders to retake the lead for the same offence as before.

The visitors were still looking the better side going forward, but seemed to lack some direction, clearly illustrated when putting in five excellent phases of play only to concede possession and territory for yet another failure to release the ball on the ground.

The penalty tally continued to rise and culminated in the referee running out of patience and giving a yellow card to Christian Edwards just before half-time, which gave the hosts a four-point cushion at the break.

With slope and wind in Malvern’s favour, the second-half should have seen the Spring Lane side plenty of impetus.

However, they managed to concede another scoring penalty instead, and then failed to take advantage of the elements.

Punishment was meted out by the tricky home outside-centre as tackles were missed and suddenly Malvern were two scores behind. Nick Murphy’s presence gave Malvern a bit more grunt in the scrum and they started to dominate the home pack, forcing a penalty which Dixon put over.

The Malvern pack continued to build up a head of steam, taking against the head and going deep into home territory, only to offend once more and concede another penalty.

Northamptonians responded by working their way upfield for a second try. Malvern continued to attack and won a series of five-metre scrums, even though Edwards went off via a red card for a second offence, but good defence allowed Old Northamptonians to clear.

The Spring Lane side’s woeful day ended when a kick ahead was fumbled, allowing the hosts to score a late try.

Tomorrow, Malvern host bottom-placed Hereford (ko 3pm) in a local derby clash, before they travel to Burton seven days later.

Tomorrow’s Malvern teams.

First team v Hereford (home - ko 3pm), meet at Spring Lane at 1.30pm, from: J Baker, M Humphreys, J Clark, D Smith, M Williams, R Gratwohl, C Edwards, S Robinson, L Gwynne, T Longley, J Aston, R Fleming, N Miller, M Jones, O Meadows, J Budd, O Kitching, P Rawle or A Green.

Third team: Will play a pool fixture at home, players to be advised directly.