A WELL-supported Malvern U10s squad hosted a triangular fixture last Sunday against Dursley RFC and Luctonians RFC.

In their first match against Dursley, Malvern were slow to start but after conceding an early try to the visitors, Malvern forwards Daniel and Stephen Unsworth lifted confidence with a series of bone crunching tackles on Dursley's speedy runners.

Thereafter, good support work and flowing rugby became the order of the day for Malvern, with the backs standing off and moving the ball around the park. Daniel Clee in particular was always in the best position to receive and run with the ball and caused Dursley all sorts of problems.

Playing from a penalty within metres of the try-line, George Badger took advantage of the retreating Dursley defence and dived in for a try. But Dursley switched on to the Malvern threat and after extended phases of play extended their lead only to see Malvern draw level thanks to a superb solo run from Badger to claim his second try of the day.

Malvern then upped the momentum and finding themselves in a good field position on the right-hand flank, the forwards set up a maul to drive the ball nearer the goal line. As Dursley attempted to counter the maul, the ball was released to the backs and quick hands along the line ensured the home side a try under the bar and victory by 15-10.

Malvern's second game against Luctonians was to prove to be probably their toughest encounter to date.

The large visiting forwards used their size advantage from the outset. This provoked some outstanding tackling from Malvern against formidable opposition.

The first half was a hard-fought battle from both sides, with Malvern losing out in the rucks because of the huge physical presence of the Luctonians' forwards. However, the plucky Malvern side managed to keep the visitors from their try area for most of the session before the disciplined teamwork from Luctonians' backs rounded the brave defenders and score just before half-time.

At the restart Malvern picked up and again they fought valiantly until Luctonians were awarded a second try from a driving maul, in which not all of the participants played within the spirit of the game. After a lecture from the referee, the match restarted.

Malvern recovered well and in the final moments of the match they found the space to break away for a consolation five points.

The final score, Malvern 5pts, Luctonians 10pts.

Paul Stevenson, the Malvern U10s assistant coach, praised his side for what was undoubtedly a very committed performance by the Malvern youngsters.

He said: "We still have a lot of work to do at the breakdowns, but overall, the team deserve to feel proud of the way they played."

The U10 squad meets every Sunday at Spring Lane at 10.30am and anyone in Year 5 pupil who is interested will be given a very warm welcome.