MALVERN started this cup game with the current league leaders fearful that the gap between them would result in another heavy defeat.

MALVERN U17S 7pts, HEREFORD GREYHOUND U17s 34pts

Whilst the scoreline would suggest this to be the end result, Malvern battled their opponents to the end with only the size of the opposition making the difference in the latter stages of the second half.

Hereford put pressure on the home team from the kick off and, scoring out wide in the opening minutes, suggested their league form would continue in the cup.

However, Malvern came to life and, for most of the first half, played their best rugby this season. A short penalty move from Jason Tolley and skipper Simon Puttick saw a fine score from Rory Kincaid in the corner. This was converted by Adam Dixon. Unfortunately, Hereford scored with the last move of the first half and turned around 10-7 up.

The second half saw Malvern defending their line again and again. Despite heroic defence by every Malvern player sheer weight advantage told. In the end, Hereford ran out winners but not without an almighty scare from Malvern's best performance this year.