MALVERN Rugby Club moved within one point of Midlands Two West (South) leaders Droitwich with a 52-14 thrashing of hosts Silhillians.

It was their first win over the Solihull side in the last few years and also revenge for a home reverse to a late score earlier in the season.

Three blizzards hit the ground as Malvern secured their eight league win in a row since losing 24-18 at Droitwich who now have a game in hand.

The visitors kicked off in customary fashion with an early try as skipper Tom Hale raced in and Rob Cook converted.

Both sides then struggled to gain the ascendancy, caused mainly by errors from frozen fingers.

Malvern increased their lead when Cook picked a long Sils pass out of the air to romp home and convert.

Jack Curtis bagged a try as Malvern won a scrum and moved the ball with purpose.

The Spring Lane side showed their defensive skills to hold the hosts at bay and then broke out for Cook to add to the tally with another converted try.

With the score at 26-0 at the break, Malvern had secured the bonus point to ensure they kept up the pressure on Droitwich.

A couple of injuries meant a reshuffle with Luke Milton moving to scrum-half but the rhythm did not suffer as they continued to pick holes in the Sils defence with Liam Roleston barreling through to score and give Cook the extra points.

The prop was again on the scoreboard shortly after as Malvern dominated in the scrum and he powered in for his second of the day with Cook's conversion bringing up the 40-point mark.

Malvern again drew on their defensive reserves as Sils pressed and finally kicked clear with Conor Giggle storming in to set up Cook's conversion.

Sils then put together two sustained passages of play which both resulted in scores before Roleston nearly grabbed a hat-trick but the ball was recycled and Hale finished the game as it had begun.

Malvern's league points scored total went to 903 with four games left so the 1,000 total is looking achievable for the first time.

Having already secured a play-off position, the top slot is dependent on Droitwich dropping points and losing their 100 per cent record.

It looks increasingly likely Malvern are assured of a home tie in the play=offs.

The next challenge is at Berkswell and Balsall on Saturday (3pm).