THIS comprehensive Malvern Midlands Two West victory was marred by a serious injury to influential number eight Mark Gaubert, who suffered a double fracture to his ankle just before half time.

Malvern took the lead in the second minute with a Longley penalty as they made a blistering start to this local derby. Taylor and Thomas were busy making their presence felt from the off, the latter targeting Bromsgrove's playmaking stand-off Matt Birch to good effect. After 11 minutes of pressure, attacking downfield, a chip ahead saw Longley win the race to touch down. Birch pulled back six points with two penalties after a spell of play when Malvern were constantly penalised, some of the decisions mystifying crowd and players alike.

Bromsgrove had hauled themselves back into the game but failed to capitalise as the obviously unsettled Birch missed two further penalty attempts. After the injury to Gaubert, Paul Hart took over at number eight and the Malvern pack, determinedly led by Vince Hill, took the game by the scruff of the neck from the start of the second half.

Hart took the ball on, linked with Thomas who in turn fed Longley, who gave Beech the killer pass for a fine try. Two minutes later Callow nearly scored, but Malvern were awarded a penalty, which Longley slotted over. The purple patch continued with some stunning rugby in classic Malvern style, forwards and backs showing some dazzling handling skills.

In the 51st minute the back row broke again, Longley joined the line and hooker Irish popped up on the wing to score. Longley converted then two minutes later was again involved as he worked a switch with Beech who went over for his second score. In a 12 minute period Malvern had devastated their county rivals and although Bromsgrove came back with a soft try for Udy, they were very much a beaten side. Malvern's fitness levels were streets ahead and it showed as at least five visiting players needed treatment and Malvern continued to run the ball around until the final whistle.

David Robins, Malvern Director of Rugby, was delighted with the result, which keeps his side at the top.

He said: "Bromsgrove tested us in the first half when we had the advantage of the slope, so we had to show our true mettle in the second period. We played some of our finest rugby to kill them off in a 15 minute period, the forwards displaying some fine running and handling skills, particularly my man of the match Alex Thomas, who also followed the game plan to the letter.

"The injury to Mark Gaubert is a blow to us all as it has effectively finished his season, and we all wish him a speedy recovery. This and the loss of other senior players after Christmas, will test our up and coming players in the squad. Selly Oak, away next Saturday, is a possible banana-skin and we must approach the game professionally to ensure we go into the New Year at the top of the table."