IT was a testing afternoon for Malvern on Saturday, but their resilience did eventually earn them a losing bonus-point from their league encounter at Moseley Oak in a 29-22 defeat.

The visitors found themselves 12-0 down early on after an excellent chip behind the Malvern defence produced the game's first try, swiftly followed by try number two following some weak defending. 

But Malvern grew into the game and after a sublime pass from Joshua Moorhouse, captain Joe Budd scampered over for a try that Dan Batty converted to reduce the deficit.

Jack Curtis then won his team a penalty in the 25th minute that Batty kicked through the post to further eat into Moseley's advantage at 12-10. 

Into the second-half, Malvern looked to take the lead for the first time but despite Batty's surging run down the wing, powering through a number of tackles, the away side could not capitalise on the situation. 

At the break, Malvern had suffered their first injury with Finn Potter being replaced and matters were worsened when brother Glenn was shown a yellow card for a tired attempt at a tackle.

Moseley opted for the three points and successfully converted before Dan Batty was the next Malvern played to be substituted with an injury. 

The home side sensed blood and a third try put daylight between the two sides as 22-10.

Malvern were now defending for their lives knowing another try would end the contest but they dug deep and after a period of Moseley possession, the visitors moved themselves up the pitch and after winning a penalty through Budd, Malvern were in range.

And from the driving maul, Moorhouse crashed over and with Smedley's conversion, it was a five-point game at 22-17.

The joy was short-lived, however, as Moseley's bonus-point score ultimately secured the victory.

But the away side would not go home empty-handed as Lewis Hardiman's outstanding individual try rescued a losing bonus-point.

The full-time whistle blew and whilst there was disappointment in defeat, Malvern will at least take some solace from a point on the road.

The result means they sit eighth in the Regional 2 Midlands West table, whilst Moseley go a place higher into seventh. 

Malvern are back in action this Saturday when they make the daunting trip to league leaders and unbeaten Newent (3PM kick-off).