MALVERN Rugby Club were undone by a 20-minute onslaught in their 38-13 home defeat to high-flying Dudley Kingswinford in National Three Midlands.

After only losing out 16-13 to runaway leaders Rugby Lions in their last Spring Lane encounter, hopes were high of a Malvern upset.

The first 15 minutes saw thrilling end-to-end action before several penalties took Dudley deep into Malvern territory and they finished off with a catch-and-drive.

Former Malvern player Luke Greenwood scored the try and Jon Higgins added the extras.

The undaunted hosts kept up the tempo, running the ball at DK, as their pack got the better of the opposition eight.

Dudley’s free-scoring backs were kept in check by fine defensive covering but the visitors used similar tactics to the first try in the 34th minute with prop Stefan Thorp touching down and Higgins converting.

Malvern responded well and Adam Dixon kicked two penalties in the last five minutes to make it 14-6 at the break.

The second period began with Dudley turning up the heat while Malvern lost influential prop Jamie Tsang to injury.

Thorp was on hand again in the 47th minute as holes started to appear in the hosts’ defence.

Three minutes later, Stef Shillingford cut through and put Duncan Chance in before the high-scoring centre collected a try for himself.

Malvern continued to compete well up front but Gareth Bown sliced through poor cover to score on the hour and give Higgins the extra two points.

Even when 32 points behind, Malvern fought back strongly to win a penalty and they put in two punishing drives for replacement prop Jo Baker to score with Dixon then converting.

Malvern have a rest from league action this weekend, returning at resurgent Broadstreet on Saturday, March 24.