WITH six players from their 22-man squad out with injuries, the Malvern U14 Pirates booked themselves a semi-final place in the North Midlands U14 Plate competition on Sunday.

BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL U14S 15pts, MALVERN U14S 38pts

From the outset, Malvern made their presence felt with a highly organised defence shutting-out any early ambitions that the homeside had. Defence was then quickly turned into attack as centre Craig Smith opened the scoring for Malvern with a devastating run through the heart of the home side's defence with fellow centre Richard Pitt adding the conversion points.

Other tryscorers were David Morgans (two), Will Bowen (two), and Craig Smith. Richard Pitt and Phil Shore added conversions.

Although Birmingham managed to secure a third unconverted try before time, Malvern were home and dry by 38-15, with the prospect of a semi-final encounter with Bromsgrove or Dudley Kingswin-ford in March next year.

The Malvern man-of-the-match was lock-forward Chris Tate, who worked tirelessly throughout.

- MALVERN U15s maintained their 100 per cent record with a fine 27-7 win at Telford.

Victories, like rugby players, come in all shapes and sizes and this one was a more considerable achievement than the scoreline alone would suggest. Telford fielded an U16s team, while Malvern's squad was so depleted they had to borrow a full-back.

Yet there was power, passion and pace to spare as Adam Blackmore's side first neutralised and then pulverised their much brawnier opponents.

Malvern's tries came from Chris Prosser (two), Ross Tolley, Dan Rushworth and Adam Green. Matt Tighe converted one.

No one worked harder than man-of-the-match Liam Maloney.