Malvern 28, Newport (Salop) 15.

MATCHES between these two sides rarely fail to disappoint, and this was the case at Spring Lane, as Malvern took the spoils in this National Three Midlands clash.

Always a lively affair, it was a game played at full pace from the first whistle, Malvern attacking the visitors’ line and testing out their strong defence.

After an initial 10 minutes of home pressure, it was Newport’s cha nce to turn the screws, a penalty and succession of pick-and-drive moves taking them deep into Malvern territory.

Play was fairly even until the 17th minute, when Malvern conceded a penalty and Simpson bagged the three points for Newport.

Four minutes later and a hesitant Malvern defence failed to snuff out the danger as full-back Mann evaded three tackles to score. Simpson fired the conversion for a 10-point lead. This only served to spur Malvern on and they started to put some good moves together, winning a penalty.

The pack went on a pick-and-drive, the ball went through eight phases of play as Malvern patiently crept closer to the Newport line and debutant lock Rory Gratwohl went over for a 32nd-minute try. Adam Dixon’s conversion took the deficit to only three points. The hosts started to win the battle of the packs, out-mauling the much bigger Newport unit and, with on-loan loose-head Jo Baker making his mark alongside the Murphy twins, they turned the scrum to snuff out any danger.

After the break, Malvern came out at full steam.

A quick Tom Longley tap-and-go caught Newport unawares, and full-back Richard Fleming came through at speed as the defence was stretched.

His try and Dixon’s conversion took the lead for Malvern after only a minute’s play.

As the Shropshire men came back at Malvern, the defence around the fringes was unshakeable and Newport were continually frustrated, being driven back while in possession.

Malvern again went on the attack, Adam Billig showing his class to gain ground, but the hosts lost their own line-out after a penalty to touch, Newport drove downfield and flanker Hockin went in at the corner to retake the lead in the 56th minute.

However, Malvern continued to move the ball around, stretching the Newport defence and tiring out their big men.

A quick free-kick tap-and-go saw the ball fly across for Dave Hunter to score. Dixon’s unerring boot ensured the extra two points for a six-point lead. It was now Malvern in the ascendancy. Hooker Andy Murphy’s 30-metre run was only halted as he tried to go through, rather than round, the defender. With five minutes left, Malvern pushed the Newport scrum backwards, the ball went loose and Billig was on hand to hack ahead and score. Dixon added the final coup de grace with a conversion from out wide, giving him a 100 per cent strike rate.

With five league points in the bag, there was still no let up as Malvern drove to the visitors’ line, only for the ball to be held up at the final whistle.

Although the result hasn’t moved Malvern any further up the table, they now sit close to the chasing pack and 28 points clear of the relegation zone which haunted them for the previous two seasons.

Malvern Veterans face Torbay Sharks Veterans in a clash at Spring Lane tomorrow (ko 2.30pm).