THE rugby season has only just started, but Malvern RFC have already opened the trophy cabinet recording a superb victory in the Droitwich 10's Tournament on Saturday.

The win was even more remarkable given that the entries were from across the country and Malvern Wizards conceded just four tries and scored 22 going unbeaten in the tournament.

Opening their group matches with a nervous start against a strong experienced Stourbridge side the Wizards won 17-5. The new front row trio of Lancett, Logan and Daniels were enjoying their first run out of many to come and were playing well.

As the day wore on the group matches saw Droitwich, Droitwich Lions, Cleobury Mortimer and the touring Welsh side from Nantyglo brushed aside, although the Welshmen pushed hard and Malvern escaped with a draw.

Flanker Alex Thomas scored four tries to become top try scoring Wizard of the day, but wing Ben Ash nearly pipped him with a hat-trick against the Lions.

In the closing stages Malvern started to dominate the tournament and the semi-final saw a superb effort brushing aside the Grammar School Old Boys, to set up a final with unbeaten Jewson National League One side Doncaster.

Whilst there was a tension at the start, Malvern never allowed the free flowing Doncaster backs any room to run. Dominating possession they turned the screw until wing Dave Beech scored under the posts just before half time. Gareth Richards converted, and then scored the killer try just after the half following good work by big Ben Hughes.

With time running out Doncaster, the pre-tournament favourites, had no answer to the Malvern control of the football, and as the final whistle went Wizard's mascot Paul Hart accepted the award on behalf of the club.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern travel to Jewson Two National side Reading, to complete their pre-season preparations.