Malvern hang on for points

WITH Spring Lane basking in unseasonal October sunshine, the portents were good for an open game of running rugby, and the two sides didn't fail to disappoint the sizeable crowd.

With Vince Hill back in the pack along with number 8 Andy Farmer, the Malvern scrum had a more solid look than at Nuneaton the previous week, whilst there was a new combination at half back, with young Kiwi Will Smart at scrum half and Dan Cullen at stand-off, Paul Jenkin moving into the centre.

Aston came out with all guns blazing and opened the scoring with a fourth minute penalty from skipper Andy Wood then continued to press the Malvern defence for the first quarter of the game.

A Malvern clearance kick failed to find touch and Aston full back Neil Bradley put over a dropped goal to extend the Birmingham side's lead in the 20th minute. Malvern replied almost immediately when Hughes cut in from his wing putting Jenkin in for a fine try, Longley's kick putting Malvern in the lead.

Aston retook the pole position when Wood put over a penalty after indiscipline in the Malvern ranks conceded an extra 10 metres to put him within kicking range.

The North Midlands Cup holders continued to threaten but Malvern stepped up a gear as the interval approached and Cooper and Taylor linked before setting James Daniell off on a sprint for the try line. Longley put over what was to prove a crucial conversion from wide out to give Malvern a 14-9 half time lead.

Two minutes into the second period Wood pulled back three points with a penalty. Treviso-bound Dan Chesham came on for Cooper and almost immediately made his presence felt, pounding through to set up quick ball that enabled Cullen to scythe through for a fine score. Longley converted to give a nine-point comfort zone.

The spirited Aston side were still not finished and came back hard, forcing Malvern into frenzied defence. Tempers became frayed and it was up to Vince Hill to resume his role of peacemaker to stop the situation getting out of hand. Aston continued to apply the driving maul and forced another penalty, they sucked in the cover and Wood went over for a try but missed his conversion.

With only four minutes of normal time left, Malvern were under severe pressure but Longley brought relief with a penalty.

Aston came back forcing penalties and running the ball as they needed a converted try to force the draw. In the 78th minute, they stretched the Malvern cover for flanker Harry Ulahkis to cross, but the kick failed and Malvern nervously held on for the win.