IT took a while for Malvern to get into top gear in this Midlands One fixture on a dank, wet afternoon at Spring Lane.

MALVERN 35pts, SPALDING 0

They lost skipper Vince Hill in the first minute with a blood injury, which upset the early rhythm, but he returned after some patching up to lead in his customary fashion.

Malvern camped in the Spalding half for long periods, the visitors defending stoutly, but eventually the line faltered as they conceded penalties, Paul Jenkin opening the scoring after 15 minutes.

With the Malvern backs looking at their sharpest of the season so far, several incisive runs kept the Lincolnshire-side penned back, including one from Duncan Billane on the left wing. Full back Richard Wylde showed his class with some fine runs from deep, holding the ball and setting it for a move which saw open side flanker Simon Reiter run in the opening try in the 30th minute.

Three minutes later Jenkin glided through to put Malvern well and truly in the driving seat. Sustained pressure from the Malvern pack forced another penalty two minutes later, which Jenkin slotted over, the half ending with the Malvern pack driving the opposition back in a controlled maul.

Now firmly in control, with only the Spalding set scrum looking firm, Malvern began to run the ball around with confidence and outside centre Gareth Richards scored a fine try after No 8 Marc Gaubert had punched holes in the Spalding defence.

Spalding's defence had by now become increasingly frantic and persistent infringements saw yellow cards for two forwards, Malvern capitalising with a scorching try from right wing Rob Young in the 58th minute, converted by Jenkin.

Malvern proceeded to give a marvellous display of slick handling in the backs despite the slippery conditions and inside centre Chris Allcott capped the afternoon's performance with a searing run to score for Jenkin to convert with three minutes to go.

Coach Andy Cushing and skipper Vince Hill were reasonably satisfied with the day's work, although Cushing felt that more penalties should have been kicked to clock up points rather than put to touch where the greasy ball was less controllable.

Director of rugby David Robins was pleased that the team had shown the pride and commitment that had been lacking away to Hinckley, singling out Steve Ironside and Simon Reiter for special praise in the pack, although he said they all "played like demons".

Robins said: "The backs were settled and aware, and Wylde's performance at full back just oozed class. The centre pairing of Allcott and Richards looked good and the wingers were both incisive. We must now translate this performance to our away form, starting at Kenilworth in a fortnight."

Malvern entertain Old Patesians from Cheltenham in a friendly this Saturday, kick off at 2.30pm.