MALVERN suffered their second loss in Midlands Two West (South) at the hands of Rugby Lions 36-12 at Webb Ellis Road on Saturday.
Struggling with eight injuries, the visitors always had a tough task on their hands coming into the game against an in-form and resurgent Lions side, who fielded several former semi-professionals.
That experience was both evident in the bulk and speed Rugby brought to the breakdown and the way in which they managed the game, despite Malvern’s defence keeping them at bay for long periods.
The Warwickshire outfit won a scrum in their own half in the opening stages and following a slick move, they ran the ball in for the first try of the match.
With their pack dominating, Lions won a penalty at the visitors’ five metre line, where their juggernaut pack forced their way over for a second try just before half-time.
After the break, the hosts scored a penalty before stretching the lead further with a third try, which put the game out of sight.
But Malvern refused to give up and finally crossed the whitewash through Nathan Beasley-Suffolk, who used his speed and power to drive over in the corner.
Stung into a reply, Rugby burst forward and crossed for their fourth and bonus try, but Malvern had the final say through a Tom Hale try, which Will Gough converted.
Director of Rugby David Irish said: “Lions are a well-drilled side, but their pace and power up front was the only major difference between the two teams.
“When we had the ball and were running at them they looked vulnerable, as we showed with our two tries towards the end of the game.”
Malvern host Old Silhillians this Saturday (3pm kick-off).
*THE SPRING Lane outfit have been drawn at home against neighbours Camp Hill in the second round of the RFU Intermediate Cup on Saturday, October 15, after beating Old Yardleians 48-10 in the first round.