THIS fixture was hastily re-arranged at the eleventh hour when both sides had been let down by their scheduled opposition.

MALVERN (SEAGULLS) 20pts, EVESHAM 4THS 18pts

This game was no exception with both teams giving 110%, Malvern's pack bolstered by the return of Carl Demeda, Melvyn Gummery and newcomer Lee Varney at number eight. The home side backs were organised by Bill Lyons at stand off, backed up by Mike Ferguson and Andy Crompton battling hard in the centres.

Evesham opened the scoring with a penalty but this was equalised by a Seagull's side eager to get the home win. With some explosive bursts and excellent rucking Evesham scored a converted try and with an additional three points for another penalty led 13-3 at half time.

Unfortunately Gary Tolley was forced to retire at this point with some sore ribs and Colin Mitchell gave his overworked back a rest, Mike Calvert added his experience to the pack.

A bad start gave Evesham a further five points but this seemed to be a kick start for the Seagulls who tore into the visitors and after forcing a five metre scrum, the very alert Varney picked up from the base to surge over for five points.

When Malvern's forwards drove close to the visitor's line Tim Jones gave a neat pass to Lyons who charged for the line but was held up, the ball was fed to Varney for another five points.

Now 18-13 down with ten minutes to go made for an exciting finish, Malvern forwards camped inside the visitor's 22 and as the attack reached the five metre line Mike Ferguson could wait no longer he raced into the thick of it received a perfect pop pass from Jones and dived over to level the scores. Bill Lyons casually converted to put the Seagulls in front for the first time.

The last minute dragged before Mark Tolley who had refereed superbly blew the final whistle.