Marauding Nuns muzzle Malvern

PREVIOUSLY unbeaten in their Midlands Two West fixtures, Malvern went to Warwickshire to take on a feisty Nuneaton side who had convincingly gained promotion last year.

They had done their homework well; stand off Warwick Masser having faced Malvern last term as a Leicester Lion. Knowing the pace of the Malvern backs, the Nuns game plan was to control the game up front and starve Malvern of workable ball.

It looked as though Malvern would demolish this plan from the start as a third minute move saw Richards break, releasing Cooper on a run to put skipper Dave Irish through for a try.

Whilst Malvern still attacked with panache from deep, Nuneaton's quick forwards linked up well with the centres on the counter attack and after 15 minutes pounced to stretch the Malvern defence, winger Krauth going over for Quick to convert.

Although play switched from end to end to make the match exciting for the spectators, Malvern were being forced on to the back foot more and more. Quick put over a penalty to stretch the lead before Malvern, still attempting to run the ball threatened with a Jenkin break, then forced the Nuns into giving away a penalty which Longley put over in the 32nd minute. Malvern started to edge back into the game, switching the ball around before giving away a silly penalty which Quick put over from 45 metres just on half time.

Malvern's brief resurgence had rang warning bells and the Nuns came out for the second period knowing that Malvern would use wind advantage to good effect.

Malvern were forced to defend their line, which they did with Richards and Martin prominent, and stemmed the tide for the first ten minutes of the half.

The fresh legs of Gaubert gave momentary cause for hope in the 57th minute. He made a trademark bulldozing run up he middle to set up Steve Taylor with a try to equalise the scores.

However, Malvern's early season injury jinx then struck again, John Martin and lock Adrian MacBurney departing, leaving Chris Smith to carry out the line out duties single-handed.

With the match showing signs of getting out of hand, Taylor and home number eight M Mitchell were given a ten-minute rest on the hour. Nuneaton continued to play a close game and pinned Malvern backing their own 22 metre area for long periods, until another drive took them to the line and scrum half Paul Mitchell nipped in, Quick converting. The centre then put over a last minute penalty to give the Nuns a deserved win.

Malvern Director of Rugby David Robins said "It was always going to be difficult, given our injury problems, but we didn't make the most of what little ball we won and as the game wore on, their pack took complete control. We are struggling to put out a settled first choice side with our big injury list, which has a knock-on effect throughout the club, but we also need to work on our fitness before the grounds start getting heavier."

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern are at home to Aston Old Edwardians, another promoted team, who produced a major shock by beating Luctonians in the North Midlands Cup final last season. Kick off at Spring Lane is at 3pm and members have the opportunity of a pre-match lunch by reserving places with Rachel McGuinness.