THE fog descended on Spring Lane to spoil what had been an intriguing Midlands Two West encounter on Saturday.

MALVERN 5PTS, BARKER'S BUTTS 6PTS

(Match abandoned 52 minutes)

The rejuvenated Barker's Butts side, having a good season after their return to Midlands Two rugby, were known to have a young team with plenty of pace. Malvern, keen to start the turnaround to a poor campaign, fielded a strong pack and a promising midfield combination, plus debutant Chris Ridgers in the centre.

After Barker's took a first minute lead through a penalty, the sides appeared to be evenly matched. However, the set scrums started to tell a different story, as Malvern began to outgun the Coventry side. Malvern's front row, with Chinese prop Han making his first start, the wily Dave Irish hooking and skippering and Shaun Lancett as committed as ever, gave the Barker's lads a torrid time.

Vince Hill and Chris Smith resumed their partnership in the engine room, whilst Phil Rawles joined Gareth Taylor and Aidan Ruddock in a mobile back-row. The whole effect was of steely determination, and Malvern ground their way repeatedly towards the away line, only to see the final pass go astray or possession lost.

Poor discipline saw Malvern needlessly concede penalties, but the home crowd gave a buzz of excitement at a much improved all round performance.

Turning round only three points adrift, Malvern moved up a gear at the start of the second-half. After five minutes, another forward surge saw Malvern drive to the Barker's line, sucking in the defence. The ball was whipped out to the short side and winger Andy Burns powered his way over to take the lead for Malvern.

From the restart, Barkers won a penalty and the league's top kicker, Dan Richards, once more punished Malvern's indiscretion.

However, the referee brought an end to the game with visibility being too poor to continue.