LUDLOW II 7pts, MALVERN II 30pts

FOLLOWING the successful start to their North Midlands Reserves League campaign a confident second XV travelled from Spring Lane to do battle in the shadow of Ludlow Castle.

Facing a competitive Ludlow squad including former Malvern stalwart Marc Gaubert, the visitors had their work cut out, but Ludlow's persistent use of hands in the ruck created opportunities for fly-half Adam Dixon to kick for territory as the penalty count clocked up.

From an attacking line-out, hooker Matt Humphries gathered the ball and spun out of the tackle, before crashing over to open Malvern's account, then Dixon outsmarted the home side's rush defence by cross-kicking to the waiting centre Ali Hills, who collected out wide, then strolled over unopposed to extend the lead to 10 points.

More pressure from the visitors saw Dixon extend the lead with a comfortable 30m penalty.

Ludlow, stepped up a gear, driving into Malvern territory to create pressure of their own and when their forwards served up clean ball 10 yards out, their outside centre scored under the posts.

Malvern maintained their dominance in the second period and when a solid passage of play brought the visitors to within five metres of the Ludlow line, winger Will Clee was on hand to take the pass then dive over for a well-worked try.

With strong runs from Hills and Clee, it was only a matter of time before further chances arose, and following good work from Malvern's energetic pack, flanker Nick Clarke crossed under the posts for a deserved score. Dixon added the extras to bring the visitors' tally to 25 points. Then in the next play repeated his cross-kick move again allowing Hills to score his second try, securing the points and Malvern's fourth win of the season.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern II welcome Solihull II in the Reserves League, kick-off 3pm.