AFTER drawing at promotionchasing South Leicester earlier in the season, Malvern again impressed with a hard-earned 27- stalemate in National Three Midlands.

The Green and Whites have only lost one game all season and came to Worcestershire as clear favourites.

However, confidence in the Malvern squad has grown steadily in recent weeks and even the setback of a second-minute try from Sam Greasely didn’t upset them.

Souths used their big pack to batter away at a stalwart Malvern defence but, even when the home side were down to 14 men after Ieuan Mustow’s yellow card, they could not break through.

Phil Rawle, Matt Williams and Rory Gratwohl all made good yards and a final drive to the line saw Christian Edwards touch the ball down to level the score in the 34th minute.

On the stroke of half-time, Malvern ran the ball from defence and Luke Milton stormed in from full back to score. Robin Fransson converted for a 12-5 half-time lead.

In a repeat of the first-half, South Leicester got a second-minute score as Kieron Collins ran in under the posts and Mark Lord’s conversion levelled the scores.

Malvern’s lead was restored two minutes later as Fransson intercepted a loose pass and ran 70 metres to score in the corner. Malvern then capitalised when Leicester fumbled and Nick Miller hacked on and collected for a score. Dixon converted for a 24-12 lead.

South Leicester ground their way back into the game and centre Gareth Clarke scored in the 55th minute.

Another forward drive then saw Chris Bale go over and Lord converted to restore parity.

With 13 minutes left, a Dixon penalty gave Malvern a 27-24 lead but, four minutes later, Lord replied with a three-pointer to once again put Souths level.

A last-minute long-range penalty from Lord had the home crowd on tenterhooks but the kick fell short and the final whistle went to end an absorbing game.