MALVERN'S long journey to the Potteries appeared to have all the hallmarks of a damage limitation exercise following the previous month's hammering at Spring Lane.

LONGTON 27pts, MALVERN 3pts

Instead, the visitors gave as good as they got, and for long spells of the match forced the Midlands One leaders on to the back foot. Old warhorse Dave Beech made a crucial interception as Longton tried to assert their supremacy in the opening stages, then the Malvern pack pressed to force Longton into errors, Sam Hardcastle's resultant penalty going just wide.

On a sticky pitch on a gloomy, mist y afternoon, the rugby often matched the conditions, with much going on in the middle of the field and sharp defensive work on both sides causing moves to break down. Malvern conceded a penalty in the 10th minute, Tony Wheat putting the home side in front.

Malvern gamely stuck to the task in hand, gaining the upper hand territorially and keeping Longton pegged back, in their own half, for long periods. Their constant barracking of the referee, 20-year-old James Fisher of Nottingham, who in fact controlled the game with firmness and good humour all afternoon, manifested a sure sign that the Malvern performance was worrying the home crowd.

Richard Fleming made good ground from full back to set up another Malvern attack, which led to a penalty which Hardcastle slotted over to even the scores in the20th minute. This stung Longton into action and they drove downfield for number 8 Neil Smith to score and Wheat to convert. Malvern took play back to the home line, a score being foiled by a knock on, then Wheat struck another penalty just before the break to keep Longton ahead.

After the turn-round, it was business as before, with Malvern attacking and Longton soaking up the pressure and countering, such tactics leading to a well worked try by home flanker Paul Sheldon, the metronomic Wheat again converting. Again Malvern went on the attack; again Longton kept them at bay, the other Wheat brother, Rob, at full back, being called upon to repeatedly clear the embattled home line. Once again a counter attack paid off for Longton, who were not looking the invincible force of the previous game, but still well drilled and efficient. Dogged Malvern defending had saved the try, but eventually Malvern were penalised for intent to kill the ball and a penalty try was awarded, with Wheat signing off with his last kick of the day.

Malvern director of rugby David Robins was not too downcast with the result. "We could have been on a hiding to nothing, given the result of the first match, but our lads went out with pride and determination. Our defensive work has improved immeasurably in recent weeks, and our midfield countered the Longton threat for most of the game. In the end, they were superior, especially in defence - we just couldn't break through. Although they look odds on to win the league, I think we exposed a few chinks in the Longton armour today."

Skipper Vince Hill agreed and said: "We were playing with a lot of heart today, determined to show we were not the expected pushover. Had we been just a bit quicker to the breakdown, I feel we could have taken Longton to he wire."

Malvern now look forward to two home games. This Saturday, Kenilworth come to Spring Lane, a game that should see the first appearance of Welsh international David Llewellyn in a Malvern jersey. Then Saturday, December 28, sees the visit of Dunstablians, a free running side who almost guarantee an exciting game. Both games kick off at 2.30pm.