A DEPLETED but eager squad of Malvern's youngest rugby players arrived in Kingsland to be chilled by the wind and soaked by the rain

The U8's were first to take up the challenge, meeting a spirited Luctonian team who had just made short work of Hereford in an earlier match. Malvern ran in seven tries without allowing the opposition any response at all. Although pleased with the whole performance, new coach Darren Beale singled out Dan Clee for special praise for his tackling, distribution and support play.

The U9's proved to Luctonians that they were just as impressive. Man of the match had to be Eric Carlen, who out-tackled and out-ran everybody on the park. He also scored four tries.

Malvern won by five tries to one and were already half way to the changing room for some warmth and dry kit when they were challenged by a Hereford side who scraped a two tries to one victory.