DESPITE several last minute changes, Malvern put together a solid performance to take the points at Spring Lane on Saturday.

MALVERN 37pts, BARKERS BUTTS 10pts

George Blakeway injured his back during the warm-up, so Gareth Richards switched to his old scrumhalf berth, whilst Andy Farmer's illness saw Steve Taylor start at number 8. Skipper Dave Irish played at flanker and Paul Jenkin was in the centre until an early injury to standoff Dan Cullen. Malvern went ahead after a lineout in the sixth minute, good handling putting Paul Jenkin over for a try. On 10 minutes the inexperienced Barkers youngsters gave away a penalty, which Longley slotted over. Midway through the half the visitors broke out of defence and made ground, Danny Richards dropping a goal, but as Malvern's pack settled down and steadily took control, Barkers were continually caught offside. The forwards set up the Malvern backs who went on a dazzling move, John Martin making ground and feeding Longley, who put Jenkin in for his second score of the day (32 minutes). On the stroke of half time, the forwards decided to get on the score sheet themselves, a catch and drive move from a lineout ending with Taylor scoring.

The Barkers Butts pack fought gamely in the second half, holding Malvern's progress up until the 65th minute, when Malvern put together a classic piece of rugby. From a scrum, the ball went across the line, and then play switched back to the narrow side, where Longley was ready to strike. With both wings covered, the seasoned fullback spotted a gap, bursting through to score. Five minutes later, the pack responded, mauling 15 metres out for Irish to break loose and score. Then Richards saw a space on the short side to set Hughes up, Irish joining the winger to score his second try with five minutes left. The Barkers youngsters were spirited to the end and fought back to score in the last move of the match, Dave Medcraft's try converted by Danny Richards.

The Malvern coaching team were pleased with the win, especially with the enforced positional changes.

"A typical early-season performance at first turned into a good sharpener" said David Robins, director of rugby.

"We put on a dazzling backs display and once our scrum had settled we were in control. The spirit amongst the lads is great, and they have responded wonderfully to the new coaching team. We reckon it could be a four or five team scrap for promotion from this league, and Bromsgrove and Derby posted their intentions with big wins today.

"We go to Hereford on Saturday, always a difficult place to take points, knowing that it's the away results which can make the difference."

Kick-off at Wyeside on Saturday is at 3pm, when Malvern hope for a large and voluble travelling support.