AFTER the sun had shifted the light dusting of snow from the Spring Lane pitches, the Malvern Under 12's continued to build upon their recent 19-0 victory over a very competent Bredon side, with an excellent win against a newly formed Handsworth team, who were playing their very first game away from home.

MALVERN U12s 42pts, HANDSWORTH 0

Handsworth were impressive early in the game and their quick, fierce tackling soon made the Malvern youngsters realise that they had a very tough game ahead of them. However, rugby can only be played successfully by a side that has learned the basic structure of play and how to put it to effect under pressure and in spite of the brave efforts from the Handsworth team, the experienced Malvern team prevailed.

Six tries with nil in reply, were scored by Malvern all except for one were scored from strong running in the backs with Phil Shore (2), Rob Boles, Rhys Coles and John Brierly who converted all six Malvern tries. The final try of the match came from prop forward Tom King who after picking up a loose ball, crossed line on a very determined run carrying five Handsworth players as passengers as he went.

The Man of the Match for Malvern went to team captain, Will Bowen.

Malvern had to work hard for this win and they took away the lesson that it is hard to play a good game under pressure from a quick thinking defensive team.

Indeed such s lessons will be tested to the full when the Malvern Under 12's depart tomorrow (Saturday) for a weekend trip to Surrey, to compete in the Dorking RFC Mini/Midi Rugby Festival.

At the festival the Malvern squad will meet up with some of the best club teams from the South London area including London Irish, Richmond and a very strong Under 12's side from the host club.