MALVERN Rugby Club secured their play-off place with a 15-7 victory over Stoke at Spring Lane.

They will now take on Market Bosworth in a promotion showdown on Saturday after finishing second in Midlands Two (West).

They took the lead on Saturday midway through the half when, after a driving maul, scrum half Julien Davies jinked his way through and Steve Ott did the rest with the conversion.

As the Potteries side pressed forward, some desperate Malvern defending conceded penalties. The referee, Clare Daniels -- the first female to officiate in a league game at Malvern -- was quick to spot any infringement and Nick Smith was shown the yellow card as the half drew to a close.

Stoke made the extra man count as their strong number eight Brown went over for a try and full back Talbot evened the scores.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half again saw Stoke in the ascendancy. However, it was Malvern who scored first again as Longley fielded a loose ball and Rob Young burst past two men to score a crucial try in the 58th minute.

A few minutes later and an Ott penalty stretched the lead and Malvern hung on for what was a vital victory.

A delighted David Robins, Malvern's director of rugby, said "The lads knew that Stoke would be difficult to crack. They are a well coached side and play to their strengths. A few changes possibly upset our rhythm slightly -- Steve Ott stepped into the breach at stand-off but obviously couldn't have quite the same understanding with the other midfielders. However, once again he showed his versatility and his defensive work was exemplary."

Pershore warmed up for their play-off game, next Saturday against Newport, with a 16-9 victory at Bedworth.

Pershore controlled the match, a terrific scrummage dominating proceedings, but just lacked that killer instinct close to the try line.

Three kickable penalties were duly dispatched by Robin Haines, who had a fine calming influence on Pershore's defensive formation, to take a nine-point half-time lead.

Pershore took their foot off the pedal in the second half and allowed Bedworth to seize the initiative. They spread the ball wide, through the middle and kicked to the corners but true to form Pershore's defence was magnificent. The re-jigged back row of Peel, Pullen and the ever present Bassett, put in the big hits and thwarted numerous attacks.

However, three needless infringements were kicked by their fly-half to draw level. Pershore turned around in the last quarter and began to play some decent rugby.

Following a line-out and quick ball spread down the blindside and a magnificent break by Haines slipped on to Steve Holmes who crashed over.

It was fitting that Haines converted as he was Pershore's man of the match.