MALVERN U14s made a winning start to the season on Sunday with a home victory against Old Halesonians.

MALVERN U14s 34pts, OLD HALESONIANS U14s 12pts

The foundations of their success were laid in the first half when, battling uphill and buffeted by a cold wind, Malvern took the game to their opponents with a series of penetrating attacks.

An early score by Chris Prosser shook the visitors, whose line was crossed three more times before the break, twice by Tom Kennedy-Hughes and once by Steve Bowen - a fine forwards' try after a strong drive by the whole pack. Malvern went in at half time 22-5 in front, with the promise of more to come with the slope in their favour.

However, they had to wait until well into the second half before overcoming some stout defence to post two further scores, by Dan Rushforth and Adam Green, against a late consolation try for Old Halesonians. These efforts were supported by some good place kicking by Ross Tolley, who could easily have had more than his two conversions.

It was also pleasing to see such a large squad available for selection, with more substitutes than an England friendly. This meant that everyone had a taste of the action and played their part in a very satisfying 34-12 win.