GETTING meaningfull fixtures for the Malvern second string has become hard, to get one at home harder still.

MALVERN II 'DOGS' 10pts, OLD PATESIANS III 0

On this dour rain swept afternoon, the Dogs played only their second game at home in 10 weeks, ending the Old Pats unbeaten run stretching back to the start of the season in the process.

Playing up the slope and into the wind in the first half, the Malvern side knew exactly what the job entailed for the opening spell.

As a very well organised Pats side tried firstly through the forwards and then through the spritely backs to open the scoring. Malvern resisted strongly and good work in the loose by Hart and new boy Drage saw a stolen ball moved out wide where Chris Williams narrowly missed the race to the touchdown.

Moments later Malvern were in front as consistent pressure eventually drew the penalty, which Longley duly dispatched.

Time and again, the visitors had the momentum of the slope but could not break through the stiff defensive line the Dogs put up. Certain tries were saved in consecutive plays by thumping tackles from Beech in the centre, and Longley at full back.

Eventually the half time whistle came, and Malvern found themselves running down the slope at the waiting defence.

This was bread and butter for the likes of Cooper and Steve Taylor, making a welcome come back to the side, the tackles got weaker, but the Pats line held. Eventually though the line was crossed when the visiting fly half punted the ball upfield, where man of the match Longley fielded the kick and ran 50 yards to link up with a galloping Paul Hart for the try converted by Andy Longley.

This broke the Pats spirit, and as the game drew to a close, Moaby nearly got a push over try, but it was not to be. The Dogs coming out close but comfortable winners.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Dogs roam over to Evesham to take on their first team.