MALVERN’S hopes of winning the Midlands Two West (South) title appear to be all but over following Saturday’s 15-7 defeat away to Berkswell & Balsall.
The home side went ahead with a penalty after a driving maul took them within kicking range and Malvern responded by trying to run the ball out of trouble.
However, the blanket B&B defence were effective in keeping the Spring Lane side at bay until near the end of the half.
A series of good Malvern moves took them deep into home territory, forcing the hosts to cough up a couple of penalties, before Liam Roleston broke through to score.
Rob Cook’s conversion put them 3-7 up at the break.
The second half saw B&B using the slope to advantage and their heavier pack put Malvern under pressure at the set pieces.
From a five metre scrum they drove over to retake the lead with a push over try and conversion.
Apart from a couple of forays into home territory, the rest of the game was played in the Malvern half as the visiting defence was tested for long periods of time.
However heroic the defence, the inevitable finally happened as the hosts scored again from a scrum and drive to complete a frustrating day for Malvern.
Malvern entertain Droitwich on April 7 knowing defeat hands their visitors the league crown.
Cook’s side must win at least two of their final three league games to earn a home draw in the promotion play-offs.