MALVERN U15 'Pirates' took a squad of 15 players to the Banbury ten-a-side tournament at on Mother's Sunday.

Unfortunately, traffic delays caused the team to break the first golden rule of such tournaments, which is to arrive early and prepare well.

10's games are short, just seven minutes per half, and there is almost no chance to correct any early setback. And so it was that the 'Pirates' lost their first game to Banbury in front of their impressive grandstand by 26-0, even though the underlying abilities of the teams would have suggested the game lay within Malvern's grasp with correct pre-match drill.

The same was not true of the second game. Llandaff North are a wonderfully coached side of youngsters. Malvern rallied well through sheer determination in a game where they were outplayed and suffered some adverse interpretation of running rules, but they reduced the winning margin to 34-0, which turned out to be Llandaff's narrowest victory in the pool matches.

The 'Pirates' have always been a spirited squad and their enthusiasm was not dented in the third match, by the knowledge they could not proceed further in the tournament, whatever the outcome or by the closing weather

The 'Pirates' gave Chobham a very tough encounter and they took the lead at half time after a magnificent run by winger Craig Smith, whose acceleration and speed outstripped the Chobham defence.

Unfortunately, in the second half, Malvern were forced into a period of sustained defence but it was only in the dying seconds of the match that Chobham ran out narrow winners by 8-7 with a penalty goal.

Thanks to the coaches for the day, Mark Eastwood and Jamie Anderson, whose advice was clear and sound for every game.