MALVERN’S fears of relegation from Midlands One West were increased following a disappointing 32-24 defeat to fellow strugglers Moseley Oak at Spring Lane.

It was a big basement battle for Malvern who knew a win would see them make headway in catching the teams above them.

But a rejuvenated Oak side had other ideas as the hosts were left with only a try bonus to show for their efforts.

The visitors showed their intention from the start, winning possession from the kick-off, working the ball well for a try to silence the home supporters,

Malvern then responded with a period of good play, driving back the much bigger Oak scrum and putting them under pressure.

Working the ball well, Adam Dixon found Luke Milton who ran in to score and give the former the extra two points.

Having won the restart Malvern put in a fairly aimless kick which went straight to the Oak speed merchant on the wing, who duly carved his way through to notch a converted try.

Malvern very nearly repeated the error as a kick went straight out, surrendering the advantage.

But this time they managed to regain possession and won a penalty for a high tackle.

Liam Roleston and James Tutty made headway to release Richard Fleming for an equalising try, which Dixon converted to move Malvern into the lead.

Keeping up the intensity, Malvern pinned Oak back in their 22 area, with Jack Curtis putting the full back in difficulty.

But Oak regained the advantage and worked their way up field once more, moving the ball well to score again.

The away side then won their try bonus on the stroke of half-time after Malvern kicked out on the full once again.

With the penalty count increasing, frustrations grew in the home ranks as they started talking back to the official.

Oak crossed the whitewash to increase their lead to 15 points, but Malvern hit back almost immediately through a Fleming score.

The visitors then won a series of penalties, taking them within kickable range and the three points effectively ended Malvern's hopes of a losing bonus.

But in a final flourish Conor Giggle carried the ball almost to the line for Curtis to follow up and score his side’s fourth try in the corner.

The defeat saw Malvern slip closer to the drop zone as they sit one place and four points above bottom club Longton.

Saturday sees Rob Cook’s side face a difficult visit to Stoke on Trent who will be looking to avenge the early season defeat at Malvern.

Upton-on-Severn had a day to forget at Old Street as they were thrashed 43-17 by Alcester in Midlands Three West (South).

Bromyard climbed up to seven in Midlands Four West (South) after hammering Kings Norton 47-0 at the Clive Richards Sports Ground.

They visit Old Wheatleyans on Saturday. Upton are not in action this weekend.