MALVERN FIRST XV 37 BROMSGROVE 14 MALVERN RFC began their Midlands Two West campaign with a victory against rivals Bromsgrove at Spring Lane.

The hosts dictated play from the off and established a dominance that never relented.

It was therefore a surprise when the visitors took the lead, their nippy back line putting in a counter move which ended with a try from full-back Dave Wellavize, converted by stand-off Upton.

Stung by this, Malvern stepped up a gear with Wenden, Watkins, Dave Merlin and Fleming all involved in a move to take Malvern to within five metres of the Bromsgrove line.

A penalty was missed, but Malvern pounded their way back, winning a line-out and Merlin making a break to send Watkins in for a converted try to even the score on 20 minutes.

With Malvern's back row and midfield putting constant pressure on their opposite numbers, Bromsgrove were continuously put on the back foot and only some poor decision-making and wayward passes stopped the score mounting.

However, shortly before the break Malvern full-back Hooper went on a gallop and winger George Roberts was on hand to cut through to score and give the hosts a lead they never looked like surrendering.

Malvern's dominance continued after the break. Taylor and Hobbs made inroads, and then Merlin went on the rampage to score 10 minutes into the half.

Veteran prop Steve Taylor, who had caused mayhem in the scrums, then left the field to be replaced by Dan Palmer.

A mighty clearance from Fleming followed by intense Malvern pressure saw the hosts win a line-out 20 metres out, Merlin finally going over but the score disallowed for a knock on.

Bromsgrove cleared their lines, only for Hooper to field the ball and feed Watkins, who in turn set Roberts off to scorch through for his second try on the hour.

A few minutes later and Malvern were again threatening the Bromsgrove line, a catch and drive seeing the forwards over the line for Lancett to score.

With Bromsgrove totally on the back foot, the pressure continued, Sparrey chipping the ball through to Wilkinson to score against his old club.

Bromsgrove chased and gathered a kick ahead for Stockholm to score a try and Upton to convert 10 minutes from time.

The Malvern pack then put in a 30-metre driving maul for Merlin to ground the his second try.

Director of rugby David Robins said: "We still need to work on our backs moves and place-kicking but, given this was the first competitive game of the season, we can work on those aspects."