MALVERN Rugby Club's David Robins was gracious in defeat after Malvern were mauled by Market Bosworth 40-7 in the play-off to join Midlands One.

The town travelled back to Leicestershire after a stunning final win at Hinckley had clinched them second spot in Midlands (West) Two.

But they came unstuck against a team put together with National League recruits who demonstrated impressive fitness levels and routines.

And director of rugby Robins paid tribute to departing coach Paul Essenhigh who will be leaving the Spring Lane club in the summer.

He admitted: "We were beaten by a better side on the day -- well drilled, extremely fit and obviously receiving investment in the playing side. They will give several Midlands One teams a hard time next year.

"We can reflect on a fairly good season, while rueing a silly defeat at Stafford which ultimately cost us first place and automatic promotion.

"Having said that, the team spirit has been tremendous in no small part due to the inspirational coaching of Paul Essenhigh who has sadly decided to call it a day.

"He leaves behind a fine legacy and goes with the gratitude of the players and members alike.

"We now look to rebuilding and another tough season from September with the likes of Broadstreet and Derby coming into our division, plus a regenerated Barkers Butts."

On a hot, sunny afternoon at Market Bosworth, Malvern started brightly and took play to the big home side in typical running style.

But the hosts showed their true colours after 15 minutes with a penalty awarded following a ferocious driving maul.

A penalty to touch led to a catch and drive to the try-line eight minutes later and Nick Smith was yellow carded for a foul soon after.

While Malvern were down to 14 men, Bosworth piled on the pressure with two more scores by the break for a 20-0 advantage.

With the slope in their favour in the second period, Malvern hoped to hit back but pressure on their scrum and line-out stifled their creativity.

Though Bosworth went further ahead 10 minutes into the period from another driving maul, winger Rob Young scored a consolation Malvern try, converted by Steve Ott.

However, the strength-sapping efforts began to show and Bosworth scored a penalty plus two more tries to complete Malvern's day of woe.

n Malvern were knocked out of the North Midlands Cup the next day as Luctonians secured a final place for the third time with a 37-12 victory.

A much-changed side had a good 10-minute spell before Lucs hooker Mark Chandler intercepted a pass and put winger Mark Panniers clear to score.

Three minutes later, an attack was stopped short but the poor clearance flew to Panniers who went over in the corner. Jeremy Wheadon added a penalty but Malvern countered with an unconverted try.

Andy Garrod scored the best try of the game for Lucs, converted by Wheadon, just before the interval.

Although the visitors lost Effron Heather with a knock, Panniers completed his hat-trick of tries, converted by Wheadon who then added a second penalty.

Malvern countered with pressure rewarded with a converted try but Lucs completed the scoring when Troy Looms dived over and Wheadon again added the extra points.

The Herefordshire side play Whitchurch in the final on Sunday at Stourbridge.