MALVERN'S visit to erstwhile table-toppers Derby had been supplemented by intelligence on how to play them up front and restrict their options.

DERBY 44pts, MALVERN 10pts

Unfortunately, Derby resisted performing to the same script as Malvern, who looked lacklustre from the start.

The signs were bad as early as the second minute when the home stand off Fearn carved through the Malvern midfield to create an overlap for the opening score. Although Malvern tried to run the ball at every opportunity, it was mainly from deep in their own territory, which proved to be a nave tactic as the Derby blanket defence just spread its net wide and stifled any counter attacks.

Within half an hour the game was effectively over as Malvern played into Derby's hands, poor back row cover and inept tackling from the backs letting in the mobile Derby side for three more scores. With Malvern's line out erratic, the forwards never got going to set up a good platform, and although the backs looked lively, the Derby back row's mobility gave them extra cover in midfield, denying any real penetration.

Strangely, the much-vaunted Derby pack, although big, did not look particularly threatening, and had Malvern taken them on up front a bit more, as Bromsgrove had the previous week, it could have given the visitors the impetus needed to set up some dangerous attacks.

However, the will to compete seemed lacking at times, almost as though some of the players were resigned to coming second from the start.

With Derby turning round at the halfway stage with a 33-point cushion at half time, Malvern just had pride to play for in the second period and gamely fought back. Derby were a second faster in thought and deed, however, continuing to restrict Malvern's options and two more scores took them to 47-0 up, with the Spring Lane outfit now in some disarray with injuries adding to their woes. As Derby relaxed a bit, Malvern showed some spirit towards the end of the game to run in two tries by Dave King and Dave Hill, but they really were consolation scores.

An unhappy David Robins, director of rugby, thought that his side showed a lack of commitment.

Robins said: "Some players seem to have got the impression that we don't travel well. This is nonsense - for years, even in Midlands One, we were capable of pulling off away wins. The truth is that today they just weren't up for the grinding game which was called for. We needed some "dog" to be shown - it wasn't. In truth, we flattered Derby. Although they were sharp, our tackling was abysmal, and then we employed disastrous tactics, running from defence and into trouble. We must learn to adapt to the conditions and the opposition much better. It's well known throughout the league that we are a running side, so teams try to stop us doing that. We must become more streetwise, less nave in our approach."

Malvern have no league game this weekend. An "A" team will play a friendly whilst the squad prepare for the following week's trip to Bedworth.