MALVERN director of rugby David Robins was delighted with the Christmas bonus served up by his players when they defeated lowly Barkers Butts 13-45 away on Saturday to stay on the top of the Midlands Two West table.

Robins said: "We were slow to start and Barkers came out hard at us, but once we got into our stride we put together some superb open rugby. Our pack did sterling work to secure good ball, which Adam Dixon capitalised on with his finest display in a Malvern shirt.

"Our back line of youngsters is really gelling well and as they mature is going to be a force to be reckoned. The only cloud was the red card for Shaun Lancett, which I think was harsh - he was no more to blame than a good dozen others in the one incident in an otherwise clean and open game.

"However, our good start to the season sees us go into the New Year clear leaders of the league - but we are not complacent. We have two tough games in January against Lichfield and Hereford, both of whom took points from us earlier, and with 10 games to go it is still a four horse race at least."