MALVERN were left on the periphery of possible Midlands One relegation after conceding a game they could have won, but for two dreadful decisions and two missed chances.

DUNSTABLIANS 35pts, MALVERN 22pts

The visitors came out strongly, Lancett and Pemble making ground from the off as the pack tore into the Dunstablians' eight. Stand off Dave King dummied his way through for a second minute score and Richard Fleming converted.

Dunstablians conceded penalties with several players going over the top or handling in the ruck as Vince Hill repeatedly led the charge. Dave Hill made a break and had players available on the overlap but went to ground instead, and George Blakeway was tackled a foot short of the line with Ridley available.

Dunstablians had got on the scoreboard and the two let-offs were followed by a score to take the lead as the dangerous Bradshaw scored under the posts for a simple conversion.

This gave the Bedfordshire side some heart and they took play back to Malvern's 22-metre area.

Malvern's woes were added to with a strange interpretation of the lineout laws, giving two penalties, then a penalty try to Dunstablians. Thus the half ended with Malvern 17-7 down when they could have been 29-3 up.

Malvern came out for the second period revved up and forced a penalty, which Fleming slotted over. The forwards continued to dominate open play, although D's held their own in the set scrums. Students Chris Pemble and Nick Smith caught the eye repeatedly, whilst standoff Dave King had his best game so far, causing continual problems in midfield, whilst Mark Eastwood used his strength to hit the gain line and suck in the home defence.

In the 55h minute Fleming joined the line and used his long stride to carve through the home defence to score under the posts and convert, and Malvern were level.

However, Dunstablians hit back with a penalty, then their mobile number eight moved the ball to their backs who struck at speed to put Bradshaw in again, White converting.

Malvern fought back as the game took on a cup-tie like urgency and King once again fooled the opposition with a dummy move to put winger Rob Young in for a try.

Dunstablians countered again and again, their centres finally making the break for Bradshaw's final try, then rounding off the scoring with a penalty.

Coach Andy Cushing said: "We failed to bury them in the first half and paid the price. Having said that, the whole team performance was gritty and determined, with the positive spirit amongst the players very evident. If they carry that with them, they should win the last two games."

Director of rugby David Robins said: "The people who really matter at Malvern RFC - the players - are positive about winning the last two games and securing a place just below mid table. Whatever else happens is out of our hands."

Tomorrow (Saturday) a Malvern A side have a friendly against Worcester Wanderers before the final home league match against Barkers Butts.

The North Midlands Cup Semi-final at Luctonians is on April 6.