MALVERN went into Saturday's promotion play-off with a 22-15 county derby home win over Evesham in Midlands Two West (South).

The second-placed side now welcome Crewe and Nantwich to Spring Lane (3pm) aiming to progress to Midlands One.

Against a spirited, well-drilled Evesham side, the hosts started brightly, recycling the ball and getting close to the line but the defence stood up to the onslaught and cleared upfield.

The visitors won a penalty and went ahead, issuing a warning shot that Malvern were not going to have things all their own way.

Rob Cook’s side responded well, running the ball at every opportunity and testing Evesham.

They conceded a few penalties as Malvern turned the screw with the second setting up a catch-and-drive move which Callum Jacob scored from to give Cook an easy conversion.

With play see-sawing from end to end, Malvern struck next as they won a penalty to the Evesham 22, spun the ball wide and skipper Tom Hale cut inside to drive over for a score. Cook’s conversion made it 14-3.

Evesham replied soon after as they won a scrum and secured the ball, moving it well to score a try.

Malvern again attacked and won another penalty within kicking range.

Cook slotted it over to bring up Malvern’s 1,000th league point of the season and the sides turned round with the hosts 17-8 in front.

The second half began in scrappy fashion with errors from both sides as Malvern could not quite get their running game together and knocked on or had passes adjudged forward while Evesham gave away penalties.

An injury to hooker Glen Potter meant the home line-out was not functioning well and gave up the ball to the visitors.

Evesham battered away at the defence for long periods and were rewarded after a scrum and kick ahead resulted in a converted try, bringing them within two points.

Malvern continued to make basic errors and with the clock running down there were anxious moments for their support until finally the men in maroon and gold put together some rugby which showed why they have done so well this season.

The forwards retained possession with several phases to take them close to the Evesham line.

They sucked in defenders and then released the ball along the backs for Ben King to go over in the corner, securing victory with the last play of the match.

It was not a vintage Malvern performance but Evesham defended well and had a few useful playmakers in midfield.

But this was just the test Malvern needed before they face the unknown quantity of Crewe and Nantwich in the promotion play-off.