MALVERN II 33PTS, BROMSGROVE II 22PTS

MALVERN 2nd XV continued their excellent form in the North Midlands Reserves League last week with a win over rivals Bromsgrove Seconds. Malvern started the game well moving the ball skillfully through hands at pace and forcing the play deep into the visitors half.

Fast ball from the resulting ruck gave the ever sharp Sam Jones the opportunity he needed to burst through a gap in the corner and open the scoring for Malvern.

Several minutes later outstanding play from Malvern's back row again turned ball over and Dave Wood managed to slip over the line to put Malvern 12-0 after 15 minutes.

The visitors came back with a series of effective mauls. Malvern struggled to counter the drive and Bromsgrove broke for a well earned try.

Several minutes later Malvern were caught asleep and the visitors again punished them with a try in the corner to level the score at 12-12.

Malvern came out with guns blazing in the second half as they tested the Bromsgrove defence, Steve Bowen and John Brierly combining in midfield to set Nick Clark thundering through to power home for an outstanding try. Minutes later Will Clee found a line through the opposition centres committing three defenders. The outstanding back row combination of Stuart Clark, Dave Wood and Andy Hill secured quick ball for Nick Clark to run a carbon copy try of his early effort in putting Malvern into the ascendancy.

Bromsgrove powered back with another forward effort rewarded with a try but they couldn't contain the home team as they camped out five metres from the try line and eventually Stuart Clark drove into contact to set up quick ball for Ali Hills to run in Malvern's fifth try.

John Brierly converted with a great display of kicking in blustery conditions to put the home team in the clear at 33-15.

Malvern relaxed a little and although Aiden Ruddock turned the ball over from the Bromsgrove forwards maul, Malvern were penalised five metres out and the visitors got one last score to finish the game 33-22 to Malvern.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern II play Hucclecote at home, 2.15pm kick-off.