MALVERN gave an improved performance but lost 19-12 at bottom-of-the-table Moseley Oak in Midlands One West.

The Spring Lane visitors picked up a losing bonus point against a side who replaced them at the basement after taking a hefty points deduction.

Oak drove Malvern back early on and stole their opponents' lineout before finally going over for the opening try.

The Worcestershire side retaliated with spirit and won a series of penalties as the hosts were forced into rearguard action.

A catch and drive saw Malvern power to the line for Sam Parsons to touch down.

They soon followed up with a second score to go ahead as Josh Herbert took the ball on and slick inter-passing saw Lewis Hardiman go over for a try converted by Jasper Windsor-Clive.

Malvern continued to press for the rest of the half but the injury jinx struck again when Will Gough had to leave the field closely followed by Herbert.

Now Malvern's scrum, so stable in the first half, lacked the same impact and Oak started to win the set-pieces, levelling the scores as Malvern's pack were driven back.

The rest of the contest was even but Oak struck once more to take the lead as they turned the ball over and spread it wide for a converted try.

Malvern came back and a late attack was halted for Hardiman allegedly crossing.

They go to third-placed Newbold-on-Avon on Saturday (3pm).

Malvern's season finishes on Saturday, April 13, with a visit from Old Halesonians.

Bottom-of-the-table Upton offered scheduled hosts Alcester a walkover in Midlands Three West (South).

With just one league win all season, Upton are due to head to high-flying Berkswell and Balsall on Saturday.

Fifth-placed Bromyard won 32-26 at home to top-three side Old Wheatleyans in Midlands Four West (South) ahead of a clash at Pershore on Saturday.