LEDBURY proved their league form was proof of their growth and improvement over the last few years as they took the game to a strong Malvern A side at Spring Lane last Saturday.

MALVERN A 31pts, LEDBURY 27PTS

They went straight on the attack from the kick off and a half-hearted full back clearance by Richard Fleming only found the outside centre and the Herefordshire side were five points up in about 30 seconds. Fleming quickly made amends by equalising after a good linking run a few minutes later.

Malvern appeared sluggish, allowing Ledbury to dictate play, and some half-hearted tackling ensured that they kept Malvern on the back foot. Although Jon Owen and Matt Williams dominated the lineout for most of the afternoon, it was from a catch and drive that the prop went over. The lead was extended to 15-5 as poor covering after a tapped penalty saw a fine move across the line for the right winger to score in the corner.

Malvern replied with a converted try and the forwards went on a sustained attacking drive, releasing the ball for a move involving Martin, Fleming, Hills then finally White, Fleming converting the scrum half's try. Just before the break, Malvern were reduced to 14 men as Handy was consigned to the sin-bin.

Malvern raised their game from the restart. The large crowd were treated to Rob Young's first proper run of the day, which ended with a high-stepping Paul Hart charging through to give Malvern the lead for the first time, Fleming putting over the conversion.

Replacement Marc Gaubert then stretched to his full height to snaffle a lineout ball, then drove 20 metres up field. Owen disrupted the Ledbury throw once more, but they got the ball downfield in a good counter move and it was up to Rob Young to make a fine saving tackle. However, Ledbury spread the ball wide and retook the lead with a try in the corner.

With the supposedly retiring Kim Withnall in fine form, Malvern played it tighter and the forwards drove Ledbury back, forcing some desperate defence. Malvern pushed Ledbury off their own ball at a 5 metre scrum, the ball was whipped out on the short side and Young scored, putting Malvern back in the lead. Withnall then went over from a catch and drive move. Fleming's conversion made it 31-20, but Ledbury weren't finished, running through the middle from a penalty to round off the day's events with a converted try.

David Robins, Malvern Director of Rugby, saw the game as a good exercise. "It was great to see a Ledbury first XV back at Malvern after a gap of a few years. They were on their toes for 80 minutes and stretched our players for the whole game. It has given us some thoughts towards selection of the North Midlands Cup Final team. We also look forward to cheering on our Ledbury neighbours on May 12 at Stourbridge, as they play the Shield final against Old Saltleians immediately before our game. We also look forward to more friendlies in the future."

Malvern have no first team match this Saturday as the Sevens squad is in Ireland for the Kinsale Sevens.

All players available who would like a game report to Spring Lane at 1.45pm for an inter-club game, kick-off 3pm.