IN the fourth round of tag-rugby matches in the Malvern Primary School cluster, Malvern Link regained pole position after two convincing wins against Leigh & Bransford and Poolbrook, while Great Malvern and Northleigh failed to secure maximum points by losing to Powick and The Wyche respectively.

This means that unless Great Malvern can beat Malvern Link by at least nine tries without conceding any in return, Malvern Link will take the Malvern Primary School Mini-League title.

Challenging for a possible runners-up place are the 'dark horses' from Malvern Wells, who had an excellent day's tag-rugby by winning both matches and putting themselves in a great position for glory, with only lowly placed Poolbrook standing in their way. However, although they are at the basement of the mini-league, Poolbrook are at last showing form and despite not having a win as yet, the teamwork from Poolbrook is now much stronger.

If only they can keep their composure under pressure then the young Poolbrook 'rookies' could overturn the ambitious Malvern Wells team. The other title contenders from Northleigh have to take on The Grove this week, who found some late form with close wins over St Joseph's and The Wyche.

The Wyche however, dented Northleigh's title hopes in a real thriller to collect their first win of the competition, thanks to a last gasp score after Northleigh blundered close to their own try-line. St Joseph's slipped down a place in the league after losing both their matches, while Leigh & Bransford's poor run of luck continued as they narrowly lost both their matches.

However, like Poolbrook, the young village team has begun to pull itself together and with a little determination, Leigh & Bransford will certainly give The Wyche a run for their money in the final and decisive round of matches.