MALVERN took a further step towards the Midlands 2 West league title with a comprehensive first half demolition of a doomed Lichfield side at the superbly appointed Cookes Field.

Three year ago the Staffs side were playing National League rugby, but have been on a seemingly unstoppable slide down the divisions. Such has been their demise that Malvern's small band of travelling faithful outnumbered the home support.

Taking the game by the scruff form the outset, malvern won a penalty which Longley put into touch on the home five metre line. Owen caught, the pack drove and the athletic Steve Cooper burrowed through to open the scoring.

Malvern went on the rampage, the back row of Hart, Thomas and Taylor forcing error after error. Malvern were full of running, Rob Young looking especially hungry, and only some unforced errors stopping a deluge of tries.

Lichfield pulled back three points with a penalty, but Malvern continued running the ball, Taylor going on a 30 metre run but slipping on the greasy surface when almost through. From the resultant line out the ball was spread quickly and Bo Kristoffersen ghosted through the defence to score, Longley converting.

Malvern continued to drive up the channel and on 25 minutes played the ball on the short side for a scrum, Longley bursting through to score.

In the 37th minute a classic piece of total rugby saw the ball passed from one side of the pitch to the other for Ben Hughes to leave his markers standing as he scored a try with all his old flamboyance. Lichfield scored another penalty just on the break, but the match was already won.

The second half opened with a determined attack from the home side which resulted in a try as Malvern momentarily took the foot off the pedal, but the champions elect continued to dominate.

Only some bizarre refereeing decisions by an official who was more interested in his own voice than letting the play flow halted the Malvern scoring machine, and the game slowly petered out.

With the returning Simon Phillips putting in some sterling work at stand-off and feeding well from Sparrey, Malvern resumed total control, having the last word against a stubborn Lichfield defence with a well-controlled pushover try, grounded by replacement number eight Andy Ridley.

David Robins, Malvern Director of Rugby was fulsome in his praise of the side's first half display. "We took the game to them from the off in a storming first half display, then went of the boil in the second period, but had the two away points in the bag. I normally don't criticise referees, but today's official ruined the game with some bizarre interpretations of the laws, especially binding in the scrum and turnover tackles, denying us several scoring opportunities.

"However, we have much to be pleased with, including the Sparrey/Phillips combination at half-back, Jon Owen's line out work and the back row aggression of Thomas, Hart and the ever combative Taylor. Bo Kristoffersen made some penetrating runs and we are now closing in on promotion."

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern play Selly Oak at Spring Lane, kick off 2.30pm.