MALVERN U17S continued their step up in class last Sunday with a tough game against one of the most successful sides in the country.

MALVERN U17S 7pts, WESTON-SUPER-MARE U17S 29pts

Weston rested most of their first-team squad for this fixture but their second string proved too strong and well-organised for the home team.

Accorded the rare privilege of playing on the main pitch at Spring Lane, Malvern found themselves two scores down inside ten minutes. But they fought back with typical courage and tenacity and narrowed the gap before half-time with a brilliant try. Tom Kennedy-Hughes, shackled for most of the game by some aggressive midfield defence, finally broke through with a devastating burst that took him almost to the visitors' line. When he was hauled down the opportunity seemed to have passed, but Adam Diaz appeared at his shoulder to receive the pass at speed and crash over for the score, which Matt Tighe converted.

The opening stages of the second period were cagey and inconclusive, with penalties preventing any real fluency from either side. The pack did well to achieve parity at the scrums, Liam Maloney was outstanding in loose play and Jamie Blackmore showed great composure at full-back. But Weston gradually exerted a stranglehold on territory and possession which, despite some more gallant resistance from Adam Blackmore's boys, finally yielded a string of late tries. Some of these were of the highest quality and most were converted by a kicker with the Jonny Wilkinson touch and style.

The New Year has been tough for the U17s, with some very strong opposition inflicting more defeats than this team are used to. However, they have never been found wanting in spirit, stamina or defiance and the experience they have gained will be invaluable for those players wishing to take their rugby careers on into the senior level.