MALVERN travelled to Perry Common in North Birmingham for a league game against the team that pipped them to the North Midlands Cup last season.

ASTON OLD EDWARDIANS 10pts, MALVERN 10pts

Both sides featured competent packs with good back rows, the latter an area where Aston had been a little stronger last term. It was evident from the off that the sides were going to be evenly matched, the two sets of players testing and probing each other, with the significance of the fixture perhaps causing some apprehension.

This was evident in the number of unforced errors on display throughout the match, which interrupted the rhythm of play and gave the contest a disjointed feel.

Malvern stand-off Dave King shone like a beacon all afternoon, the number of breaks made well into double figures. His first put Aston under pressure and Malvern won a sixth minute penalty for hands in the resultant ruck, Andy Longley putting the visitors ahead.

The match flowed from one end to the other as attacks broke down and defence turned into counter attack. Malvern suffered a blow in the 16th minute when Anderson's shoulder dislocated again, Nick Smith taking his place and immediately making his presence felt.

Aston drew level after Malvern offended at a ruck, and then went ahead on 27 minutes when the left winger streaked through for a converted try after Malvern's defence had been drawn across the field.

Malvern fought back, the pack starting to nudge Aston back, King continuing to make breaks but not always receiving the support his invention deserved. With the Malvern centres having an off day, wings Martin and Young saw little of the ball, and with Aston employing the boot to gain territory, the half ended in desultory fashion.

The second half proved to be more of the same, King again making plays which ultimately broke down, Aston almost as guilty in response. This continued until the 64th minute. King made another fine break, this time with plenty of support, and centre-turned-lock Aidan Ruddock went over, Longley's conversion equalising the scores. With Aston taking the lion's share of the line-out, Malvern were unable to press home any further advantage.

At the whistle, both sets of supporters were agreed that the result was fair.

Malvern play Newport at Spring Lane tomorrow (Saturday) in the first round of the North Midlands Cup, kick-off at 3pm.