MALVERN RFC's squad for the Droitwich Tens Tournament was hit by holidays, but with only 12 players available the team still fought through to the semi-finals.

The tough opener against the University of Ulster saw the triumphant return of Phil Rawle from long-term injury, scoring the only try, converted by Ryan Watkins. With no sign of being hampered by the serious knee ligament damage that kept him off the pitch for over a year, Rawle went on to be Malvern's player of the tournament. Earlsdon were despatched 19-10, Tom O'Brien scoring twice and Dave Wilkinson once, with Watkins putting over two conversions.

Then it was the turn of old rivals Selly Oak, who featured in several epic matches with Malvern a few years ago. The game proved an easy romp at 31-5, with Rawle, Watkins, Gareth Taylor, Ryan Milne and Chris Smith crossing the line and Watkins putting over three conversions.

The semi-final brought Malvern up against Baghdadians, a guest side of players led by Malvern's Dave Merlin, many of whom had plied their trade in the National leagues. Malvern were by this time down to 10 fit men, injuries to Will Clee and Julian Lambert having taken their toll. Malvern took the game to the guest side, going 14-0 up through tries from Watkins and newcomer Ted Lang, both converted by the stand-off. However, Lang picked up an injury which left him a passenger for the rest of the game and Baghdadians fought back to start the second half on equal terms, then went ahead with a dropped goal and converted try. At 14-24 down, Malvern still fought back and a spirited finish saw Dave Wilkinson's converted try take them back to within three points. Baghdadians held out and went on to beat the Ulster students in the final.

Director of Rugby David Robins was immensely proud of the performance his squad had put in.

Robins said: "It was a great sharpener for the lads who played and it was just a pity that the awful weather kept the number of spectators down. However, we now look forward to our training game at Tewkesbury this weekend, followed by the Guanos at our Beer and Cider Fest on the September 1."