A SIDE ravaged by injury and unavailability, unfamiliar combinations and an high penalty count for offside meant a long drive home from Shropshire for Malvern.

NEWPORT RFC 16PTS, MALVERN RFC 5PTS

The visitors started with a front row which boasted three props, new partnerships in the backs and Mark Freestone drafted in as emergency hooker.

They were made to pay by a spirited and unbeaten Newport side, who ran in tries in the 13th and 20th minutes, having earlier spurned three kickable penalties.

Malvern then started to put their game together and took play to Newport for the rest of the half, crucially not converting pressure into points.

After the break, Malvern's indiscretions were again punished by two more penalties.

Andy Burns came on to join George Roberts in the centre and the defence suddenly looked tighter. Going forward, the two young centres looked threatening, Roberts' efforts making him the highlight of the Malvern team.

Malvern again camped in the Newport half for the last 10 minutes, Roberts was unlucky to spill the ball over the line but, after the pack rucked their way through, Ruddock picked up to score.

However, with missed penalties and the inability to finish off, Malvern lost to a beatable team.

Despite the defeat, director of rugby David Robins said it is not the time to panic.

"There are lots of good signs, the youngsters who have come into the squad are full of spirit and although the pack had a quieter day today, we have a good platform up front to build upon," he said. "Having had loads of enforced changes so early on hasn't helped, but I still think we can climb to a respectable position."

The visitors tomorrow (Saturday) are unbeaten Broad Street.