MALVERN kick started their Midlands One rugby campaign with a crucial 39-5 win at bottom side Camp Hill.

The league clash, between the two bottom teams, proved to be a mis-match as Malvern clinched the points.

Malvern began strongly and Jon Owen scored with a flamboyant dive. After the early exchanges, however, Malvern let Camp Hill back into the game, conceding ground through three penalties. A pinpoint crossfield kick found winger Richard Roberts who ran in past the stretched Malvern defence to score.

Dave Irish then added to Malvern's problems when he collected a yellow card but the home side could not make the extra man count. The referee then, extraordinarily, became the main star of the show when he took exception to some touchline advice and showed the red card to a Malvern supporter!

Andy Longley kept the home team pegged back with some fine long-range kicking and put over a penalty just before the break.

A half time pep talk spurred Malvern on and prop Steve Cooper crossed for a try with Longley converting. Then, Blakeway drifted in for a score and Longley's extra points put Malvern in charge. From a five metre scrum, the ball was whipped across field for Beech to score, then Richards broke through a tiring defence.

With the visitors now playing at their best, Jenkin claimed a fine last minute try and Longley's conversion finished off the scoring.

Director of rugby, David Robins was delighted with the second half performance.

"Having lost our shape after a promising start, we played at their level in the first half," he said.

"However, we came out with all guns blazing after the restart and the two points helps us to get a bit closer to the main pack. With some strange results, it's evident that every side in this league is beatable - we have to work on our consistency to climb to the top half of the table. Steve Taylor was excellent today, while Sean Lancett put in an accomplished performance."