Rugby: Malvern up to second after beating fellow high-fliers

After a week off due to the wet weather, Malvern looked to keep up their momentum after a convincing win against Evesham last time out.

With the Leighton Buzzard RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup final fast approaching on Saturday, players from both the firsts and seconds looked to impress to secure a squad spot.

Due to absences and injuries, veteran prop Grant Fraser was among those to come into the side and got man of the match for a dominant display at tight-head.

The game marked the 100th first-team appearance for skipper Liam Roleston.

Beforehand both teams held a two-minute silence to remember Di Hodges, a beloved member of Malvern.

Nuneaton looked to get on the front foot straightaway as their back-line exposed Malvern’s narrow defence.

It looked almost certain for the winger to go over but boss Rob Cook made a try-saving tackle.

Malvern then mounted waves of attacks and put the ball into the corner from a penalty to set up a driving maul with Glen Potter going over for the opening try.

But Nuneaton set up a driving maul and the ball was recycled for a forward to barge over.

Malvern started looking rusty, giving away unnecessary penalties and Nuneaton scored again to make it 12-5 at half-time.

But most of the play in the second period was in Nuneaton’s half.

Malvern had a few opportunities to grab an equalising try but failed to convert.

Jon Wills then went over for the score after a well-executed move from a scrum.

Malvern continued to chip away and with five minutes left Jack Curtis broke through to delight the Spring Lane faithful.

With Malvern leapfrogging Nuneaton in the league it has put the town side in a great position for Saturday’s heavyweight clash with Bedfordshire side Leighton Buzzard.

More than 100 supporters are said to be heading down to the game.

Malvern will host the game between flood-hit Upton and Coventrians in Midlands Four West (South) on Saturday.