MALVERN Rugby Club finished off their year with an improved performance but still slumped to their third Midlands One defeat in succession.
The Spring Lane side went down 17-16 to Dunstablians and director of rugby David Robins admitted the recent run of poor form has given them a New Year challenge to stay up.
"It's given us a mountain to climb," he said.
"We have some very tough away matches coming up in the New Year and we have a lot to do if we want to stay in Midlands One.
"Saturday's defeat makes it three in a row and our second consecutive home loss.
"The performance, though, against Dunstablians was much improved. It was some sloppy lineout work and poor tactical options which really cost us."
Dave Hill opened the scoring for Malvern and, after two Sam Hardcastle penalties, prop James Daniell brought the home side back to within a point of Dunstablians.
Hardcastle had the chance late on to snatch victory for Malvern but the penalty was missed.
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