BILLED as the curtain-raiser for the Malvern vs Whitchurch league match, Malvern U14 Pirates entertained Kidderminster U14s and gave the Mayor of Malvern and the gathering of vice-presidents a fine exhibition of youth rugby.

MALVERN U14s Pirates 12pts, KIDDERMINSTER U14s 12pts

The Kidderminster pack is one of the biggest on the county youth rugby scene and, to counter the visitors' potential dominance up-front, Malvern were keen to play a running game using the pace of their backs and the defensive skills of the back-row trio.

Try scorers for Malvern were Ross Thomas and Will Bowen with Richard Pitt converting one.

The match was not only a great advert for youth rugby, but ideal preparation for the Pirates' semi-final cup-tie against Bromsgrove this Sunday.

However, with Tom King and Will Bowen joining a lengthening injury list, the Pirates, sponsored by Banana Fitness & Health, will have to dig deep to make the final.