MALVERN'S seconds entertained a strong Longton side last Saturday on a dry, blustery afternoon and both sides provided an incident-packed spectacle for the watching crowds.

MALVERN II 7pts, LONGTON II 26pts

The Staffordshire outfit, whose first team played national rugby last season, had their first team's home fixture cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch as had their neighbours, Stoke, and players from both sides travelled south to augment an already strong squad.

Nonetheless it was Malvern who applied the early pressure with solid play in the set-piece, strong rucking and the ability to break tackles in midfield pinning the visitors in their own half.

An early yellow card to Longton's number four allowed the home side to increase the pressure, but two missed penalties were all Malvern had to show for their efforts.

When the game returned to 15-a-side the team from the Potteries began to apply pressure of their own. Driving deep in to Malvern territory they released their centres, who broke the line to cross for a converted try.

From the re-start Longton gathered, set up a ruck and appeared to have secure ball. But their captain reacted to a perceived indiscretion by a Malvern player and, after further discussions, took a ten minute rest along with his number eight, also their lock, previously carded, received a red.

The next ten minutes must rank as one of the more remarkable ever seen at Spring Lane as the visitors, down to 12 men but galvanised by recent events, tore into their opposition and scored two converted tries without reply.

An example, if one were needed, that rugby is as much about passion as it is about skill.

The second period began in more measured tones, with both sides probing for openings. Both sets of backs making good attacks, but defences stood firm, until Longton, setting up a good catch and drive, sucked in the defence, before crossing for an unconverted try.

At 26-0 down, the home side maintained their efforts, crossing the gain line with well-worked back row moves, and putting the visitors on the back foot.

Eventually, Malvern's persistence was rewarded, as following a wheeled scrum on Longton's put in, the secured good ball, Lee Varney at eight picked from the base, set up a driving maul which drove in field and changed the point of attack twice before prop Mark Freestone crashed over for his fourth of the season.

Full back Adam Dixon converted well to give the home side the last word as full time approached.