MALVERN received a confidence boost ahead of their 2014/15 campaign with a dramatic 17-13 win over Wolverhampton at Spring Lane.
Will Elt and Conor Giggle crossed the whitewash before James Southall went over late on to secure victory in an encouraging afternoon for Malvern, who take on Ludlow in the North Midlands Shield on Saturday.
The hosts looked the better side throughout and it took only five minutes before they opened their account as second row Elt powered over.
However, Wolverhampton were taking their chances when they came as a penalty and two tries either side of the interval gave the visitors an 13-5 advantage.
Malvern soon came back into the contest though as their relentless running game caused the opposition to tire, which opened up further opportunities. And new signing Giggle made the most of it as he cut through Wolverhampton’s defence to score. Although Adam Dixon failed to add the extras, all the momentum was with Dave Irish’s men as the match entered its final stages.
Sensing victory, the home side cranked up the pressure and only a last-ditch tackle denied centre Ollie Rayner from going over. But Malvern’s fans did not have to wait long before their side claimed the win as Southall touched down with six minutes remaining, which Dixon converted.