A MIXTURE of forward mobility and backs running incisively gave Luctonians the honours in the first of Malvern Rugby Club's derby matches.

With Andy Longley having an off day with his kicking, including two which hit the post, Malvern found it hard to get points on the board.

After a frantic first five minutes Luctonians scored a fine try through winger Will Crawforth as the home side ran the ball from their own 22-metre line.

They increased the lead on 10 minutes when Lewis went over, Wheadon converting. With fly-half Harwood dictating the play and the Luctonians forwards playing a well-drilled game around the fringes, Malvern found it hard to get into the game.

Some woeful tackling in midfield compounded their frustration. By the middle of the first half the visitors had settled into a better rhythm with the pack doing some close work, but an insistence on kicking the ball away handed the advantage back to Lucs.

Two Wheadon penalties and a try, 10 minutes before the break, gave Luctonians a 23-0 half-time lead. The home team's purple patch continued after the turn round, aided by some basic errors as Malvern dropped passes and fumbled the ball to allow turnovers. Wheadon kicked another penalty, Harwood scored a try and a shut out was looming.

The introduction of George Blakeway and the more controlled play of the Malvern pack saw the visitors slowly gain the upper hand. With Gaubert beefing up the forwards they spent long spells camped in the Luctonians 22 metre area.

They were rewarded when Gaubert drove through for a try. More sustained pressure on the Luctonians line ended with a penalty try when the referee finally spotted a Lewis foul on Blakeway.

Malvern were awarded a penalty try and Lewis was shown an overdue red card after a series of poor challenges. Longley's conversion gave the score line a slightly more respectable look.

However, skipper Vince Hill held his hands up after the final whistle.

"We were beaten by a better side on the day," he said. "They caught us cold early on, our defence was poor and we had to play catch-up throughout the match.

"Although we played a much better game in the second half, the spoils went to the right side."

When quizzed about the sending-off, Luctonians chairman, Dave Thomas, was apologetic to his Malvern counterparts.

"It left a bad taste and soured the victory for us. It is not the Luctonians way and we do not condone foul play at this club."

* Hereford continue to dominate Midlands Two West. The Wyesiders travelled to promotion rivals Derby and came away with an impressive 31-22 victory to keep them top of the pile.