Hinckley 50, Malvern 18

Malvern's travelling form continued to let them down on Saturday as poor tackling allowed an average Hinckley side to run in eight tries.

After an even first 20 minutes when Malvern failed to take advantage of the strong following wind, Hinckley showed their intent when the inside centre burst through and a shaky defence only just succeeded in holding out.

Having spotted Malvern's weakness, the home side continued to attack the midfield and created an overlap for the opening score in the 21st minute, following up with another converted try four minutes later.

On the half hour Malvern seemed to finally shake off their torpor and Gaubert drove through on two trademark runs to force a penalty, which Hardcastle put over. He then pegged back another three points to keep Malvern in the hunt until more missed tackles let the Leicestershire side in again.

Gaubert was shown the yellow card just before the break and Hinckley's forwards made the most of the numerical advantage to go 26-6 ahead.

Malvern's other major problem was a total lack of co-ordination in the line out, where they only twice secured their own ball. The resultant lack of possession meant the Spring Lane outfit were always on the back foot.

The rampant Hinckley side attacked down the right and winger Dutton, their only player of true class, put them out of sight with a fine try which he converted.

Malvern finally put together some co-ordinated pick and drive moves, forcing a penalty inside the home 22. The ball was popped to Gaubert who barged over for a try, Hardcastle converting.

At last showing some spirit, Malvern's purple patch continued, simple tactics making Hinckley look very ordinary. Full back Richard Wylde went on a foraging run, setting up Rob Young who fed Paul Jenkin for a fine try.

This could have been a pivotal point in the match had Malvern not been penalised on the next forward drive. However, the advantage passed and Hinckley hacked the ball down to the Malvern line and forced two late converted tries to finish off a woeful day for Malvern.

Director of Rugby, David Robins, said: "I can't remember such a poor first half display from a Malvern side. We had no possession to capitalise on until the second half and there was a distinct lack of passion until then. We cannot just shrug our shoulders and say we don't travel well".

Coach Andy Cushing agreed: "The team is in a transitional stage, with many fiery old stalwarts having retired. We must rekindle the spirit and pride in the Malvern badge that they showed over the years. However, we must also work hard to get the basics right in training and on the field".

This Saturday Malvern entertain Spalding, newly promoted and without a win to date.

Kick off is 2.30pm at Spring Lane.