MALVERN RFC overcame several team changes, poor conditions and a strong visiting side to maintain the pressure on Midlands West Two leaders Burton.

MALVERN 18PTS, NEWBOLD 7PTS

"Any team that can suffer six changes and win in conditions like these has to be in contention for promotion," were the words uttered by Malvern director of rugby David Robins after his mud- stained, rain-soaked team left a waterlogged Spring Lane on Saturday.

The changes forced by injury and non-availability just illustrated the strength in depth which the Malvern squad currently boast.

As Robins had said in the build-up to the match, winning leagues isn't just about the 15 players who start a match, it's about the 30 plus in the training squad who are desperate to play in the Malvern shirt on Saturday afternoon. He wasn't disappointed.

In conditions more suited to the monsoon season, with the rain getting heavier as the game wore on, Malvern started with panache, running the ball at their doughty opponents.

The side from Rugby countered by playing in typical Warwick-shire fashion, rumbling mauls and booting the ball for territorial gain, perhaps the tactic more suited to the day.

However, Malvern's pack responded by dominating in the scrums, aided by the return of battle-scarred warrior Vince Hill, normally captain of the second XV. Nick Smith, moving to number eight, had a tremendous game, harrying and hounding the Newbold midfield all afternoon, whilst Aidan Ruddock and Andy Burns were up there with him on the flanks. Ian White, in at scrum half, sniped at Newbold all day.

With Andy Longley, the league's leading kicker, still sidelined by injury, Steve Ott once more took over kicking duties, opening Malvern's account with a 10th minute penalty after sustained pressure from the kick-off finally saw Newbold's defence crack.

The visitors gradually came into the game, playing percentage rugby and having gained a penalty, punted the ball to touch for a lineout five metres from the Malvern line. Everyone in the crowd knew what to expect - the catch and driving maul. Newbold almost proved it to be a thing of beauty, so well did they execute it to put hooker Taylor over and stand-off Pope to convert for the lead.

Malvern responded the only way they knew how, by moving the ball to the centres, where Eastwood's awesome power took two or three defenders out of position, recycle and probe down the wings, where Martin and Young were looking eager and hungry.

The last 10 minutes of the half were dominated by Malvern, a penalty was won and the ball whipped out to Young, whose try took him into the top scorer's position in the division.

The second half served up more of the same, Malvern running the ball in cavalier style and the gritty Newbold side trying to respond.

When Newbold dared to venture into Malvern's 22 metre area, Richard Fleming was there to give his most assured game to date. The young full back joined in with the attacks, going over the line at one point but unable to ground the ball. As Newbold continued with the driving maul, Malvern managed to negate it, props Shaun Lancett and skipper Matt Richardson directing operations as one move was taken sideways for 25 metres.

Steve Ott put over another penalty, but the killer punch was delivered by Fleming in some style after Gareth Richards rang the changes. Ott took the final two points.

In his post-match summary, Robins paid tribute to coaches Paul Essenhigh and Liam Middleton, whose squad sessions had prepared the players so well. "They have drilled the players so well that each player instinctively knows what to do. Man-of-the-match Nick Smith was outstanding and the front five had an enormous game. There's lots of spirit in this team and they want the league title. We go to Stafford next week in fine spirits."