TWO squads from Malvern RFC Youth Section travelled to Birmingham last Sunday for a TAG rugby tournament organised by Pertemps Bees and hosted by the former Scottish and British lions International Craig Chalmers.

The Malvern U11s were drawn in a tough group. In their first match against Droitwich, the U11's had to play a disciplined game, but their defence was not up to scratch and they lost five tries to three.

In the second game against St Gabrials School, Malvern came out with determination and attacked from the outset. They maintained the momentum until the final whistle, ending as winners by 7-3. Ben Turner was the man of the match.

In their final game against Camp Hill, Malvern were the vastly superior side and they were unlucky not to scrape through to the group final, with only a single try separating them from the group winners.

The Malvern U9s and the Malvern Angels came together to form a mixed TAG rugby team.

Sophie Bird in her first match for the Malvern and fellow Angel Rosie Bruton, played some inspired rugby and an outstanding contribution from club stalwarts Robbie Mackenzie, Sam Beale and Oscar Kavanagh, helped the Malvern side through the three qualifying games undefeated.

Malvern were delighted to find themselves in the final to be played in front of Craig Chalmers himself. The match was a great display of TAG rugby and in a very close run game, man of the tournament Max Kavanagh put in a fine individual performance and scored for Malvern on several occasions.

However, Kavanagh's effort not enough to help Malvern to claim the prize and at the final whistle, Malvern came a gallant second, losing 6-5, but bringing home the runners up trophy, the first for the Malvern Minis this year.

After the final many of the youngsters took time to chat to Craig Chalmers, and the former international was full of praise for two TAG rugby squads who not only enjoyed a fine day of rugby, but were a real credit to Malvern.

Any youngster who is would like to try rugby should call Malvern RFC on 01684 573728 and ask for Amanda Kirby (Malvern Angels) or Gary Tolley (Malvern RFC Youth Development).