MALVERN 42, UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER 7.

MALVERN’S traditional end-of-season sponsor’s day match took place at a sunny, if breezy, Spring Lane.

Showcasing a mixture of regular first-team and developing players against a fit student side, the game was played in a fast, open fashion, keeping the substantial crowd entertained.

The first-half was fairly even as the two sides tested each other with probing runs, but as the clock ran closer to half-time it was evident that the well-drilled Malvern team was gaining the upper hand. Turning round at 12-7, the home players started to work through their repertoire, the forwards presenting good, quick ball to the half backs, who in turn moved it quickly to the speedy back line. George Roberts, after missing most of the season through injury, added strength and pace when running from the full-back position, while Richard Hobbs and Christian Edwards were much in evidence as the Malvern back row harried and made good ground to pin the students in their own half for long periods.

As the game wore on Malvern stretched the university defence on several occasions to score some fine tries.

Coach Andy Longley and director of rugby David Robins saw plenty of potential from some of the emerging talent on show to feel positive about competition for squad places next season.