THIS top of the table clash at Mortimer Park was a game for the purist and on a heavy pitch, only playable because of a 1000 gallon "hoovering" the previous day, it was imperative to play to the conditions, and Malvern did this admirably.

Whilst the sharp young Luctonians tried to run the ball, Malvern stuck to their game plan, playing the ball close around the fringes and retaining possession. The league leaders took the game to their Herefordshire hosts, playing upfield and into the wind and rain, with the back row of Taylor, Hart and Gaubert controlling the drives and the front five negating the Luctonian power plays.

Jon Owen was magnificent in the line-out, stealing the home throw time after time, whilst Vince Hill again was the inspirational pack leader.

Against the run of play, Luctonians went ahead with a Downes penalty after ten minutes, but Malvern kept plugging away at their task.

Gareth Richards led an inspired defensive effort, with Luctonians responding in kind as Malvern threatened time after time. After 22 minutes, Humphreys was taken out by a cynical tackle to be replaced by Beech, and Longley equalised with the resultant penalty.

A series of drives deep into home territory, Cooper and Gaubert prominent, saw Malvern end the first half in control, but unable to crack the well-organised defensive wall.

The second half saw the Luctonian forwards raise their game, taking play to Malvern for long periods, but the defence held firm to rebuff all attempts to break it down. Downes missed two kickable penalties and Longley, kicking brilliantly from hand, kept sending the home side backwards, alleviating any danger. Blakeway continued to marshall his troops as Malvern regained control and the onslaught paid off as a penalty was finally won, Longley putting over what proved to be the winning points.

Luctonians fought back desperately, but the Malvern defence continued to hold firm as the pitch turned into a quagmire.

David Robins, Director of Malvern Rugby, was glowing in his praise for the effort put in by his side.

He said: "A magnificent performance, controlling the game and keeping us in the driving seat. To outplay such a well organised side in awful conditions shows the character of our players. It was always going to be a case of the side making the least mistakes on the day taking the honours, and our lads stuck admirably to the game plan, the forwards especially putting their bodies on the line.

"With Bromsgrove at home this week and Selly Oak away on the 23rd we are looking forward to consolidate our position at the top for the Xmas turn-around."

Malvern's match against Bromsgrove tomorrow (Saturday) kicks off at 2.15pm at Spring Lane.