MALVERN II 21pts, WEDNESBURY A 17pts

MALVERN'S second XV entertained Wednesbury A in their first game of the new season, and had to come from behind in a thrilling encounter to edge out their black country rivals by 21-17.

Excellent pre-season work was put to the severest test as Wednesbury dominated possession throughout the first half with their large, experienced pack using the maul, pick and drive and the offload in the tackle to near perfection, forcing their hosts to defend.

Despite dogged resistance and an astronomical tackle count, the Malvern defence was breached three times in the first period, as the visitors' forward power finally paid dividends. First a catch and drive led to a five pointer, a maul led to the second score, then a converted try following a rumble up the middle left them trailing 17-0 at the break.

With new recruits Robbie McGuffie and Joe Hill adding youthful exuberance to the second and front rows respectively, and Cliff Perkins also adding new blood to the back line, Malvern's young, energetic side began to turn the tables on their experienced visitors.

With half backs Sam Jones and Gareth Richards moving the point of attack, and prompting good support play in the loose, the Wednesbury line came under pressure, as a series of quick rucks opened the space for the outstanding Liam Moloney to open the home side's account. Will Clee converting.

With Aiden Ruddock switching to lock, and James Hynes joining the fray at the back of the scrum, the pendulum swung further and Stuart Smith's excellent score following good work by Andy Burns was again converted by Clee to bring Malvern to within three points.

As time began to run out, excellent all round rugby gave Richards the chance of a drop goal. His kick shaved the post, but Clee caught the defence ball watching and raced through to touch down behind the posts. Converting his own effort, he rounded off a good performance and sealed a fine win.