DIRECTOR of rugby Rob Cook said relegation from Midlands One West had “sunk in” following Malvern’s 86-12 thrashing by rivals Worcester at Spring Lane.

Worcester ran in 14 tries with Tom Biggs, Ollie Meadows, Will Trumper, Chris Griffiths and Dave Serafini bagging braces.

Second-from-bottom Malvern just couldn’t cope with the intensity of Worcester who opened up a 43-0 lead at the break and added a further 43 points in the second period.

Cook said he would now try to pick his players up as he looks to build towards next season in Midlands Two West (South).

“It was a very disappointing result for us and it has now sunk in that we have been relegated,” Cook said.

“It is frustrating but I am afraid that’s rugby and we have not been good enough so our fate has been sealed.”

On the reasons why Malvern failed to beat the drop, Cook said: “Injuries haven’t helped but that’s part and parcel of the game.

“Trying to put the same team out consistently would have been nice but we have not even been able to do that which has been worrying.

“By giving some boys opportunities that wouldn’t have had if we hadn’t had injuries has benefitted from the club.

“It’s about rebuilding for next year now.

“We have got a lot of young guys coming through and we are going to give them a chance so we will see how that goes.”

Malvern have three league games left, starting with a trip to bottom club Moseley Oak on Saturday.

“It will be difficult to pick the players up but the boys are sticking together,” Cook said.

“We were looking to win two of our final four games but now we have got three games left and we want to win two of those.”

Malvern Colts came from behind to beat Aston Old Edwardians 48-15 and draw level on points with league leaders Old Halesonians,

Aston went 10-0 in font but Malvern hit back with Will Griffiths going over for a try that Harvey Smedley converted.

This opened the floodgates for Malvern as captain Tom Hill, Harvey Patel and Griffiths crossed the whitewash. Bill also touched down for his second to give his side a 28-10 lead at half-time.

Lewis Hardiman came off the bench to strike twice before frustrations boiled over with both teams picked up yellow cards.

Patel then scurried over for the final score for Malvern before being sent to the sin-bin late on.