MALVERN U14s bounced back from the disappointment of their cup exit with a stirring 10-10 draw against a tough, well-organised Cheltenham side at the Chase on Sunday.

MALVERN U14S v CHELTENHAM U14S

The home team had an unfamiliar look, with several first team regulars missing and others playing out of position, yet they dominated the first half after seizing the initiative with a brilliant try.

Jasper Johns began the move with a powerful pick-up and drive, the ball was recycled to Chris Prosser who jinked inside only to be tackled ten yards short of the line. Jamie Blackmore was first to the breakdown and as the defence converged on him he released flanker Dominic Taylor to score in the corner.

After an inconclusive passage of play Dominic Taylor popped up again to make a clever interception and cross the line for his second try.

The second half was only a few minutes old when man-of-the-match Taylor appeared to complete his hat-trick after an incisive break by Tom Kennedy-Hughes. However the try was disallowed, a controversial decision that was the turning point in the game.

Cheltenham made good use of their escape with a series of powerful attacks and Malvern spent the rest of the game trying to preserve their lead. The defensive mettle of the team was tested many times before the visitors scored twice in quick succession near the end.

MALVERN U13s v CHELTENHAM U13s

IT was a most welcome return to form and spirit from this young Malvern side who displayed some excellent rugby against the best U13 side in the region in a close and hard fought game.

Malvern started strongly with the front five working hard to subdue the home side forwards and the back-row and centre backs containing the dangerous Cheltenham three-quarters with some aggressive defensive play.

However, during a brief lapse in concentration, the home side slipped through to score an unconverted try against the run of play.

The pressure on Cheltenham finally took its toll close to half-time and captain Will Bowen went over for the equalising try and fly half John Brierly kicked Malvern into a 7-5 lead at the whistle.

With a squad of more than thirty to work from, Cheltenham 'ran the bench' making eight changes.

This advantage allowed Cheltenham to run in three tries against the most stubborn and dogged resistance from Malvern U13's this season. But Malvern never gave up and they very nearly scored a couple of tries of their own. One from a very impressive driving maul which moved 30 metres to within metres of the Cheltenham try-line, the other from a run up the right wing by David Morgans, which began in the Malvern 22 and ended with a remarkable cover-tackle from the Cheltenham full-back.

Simon Elliott claimed the Malvern man-of-the-match award and Tom Rozwadowski played another excellent game at hooker.

With an equally strong performance by the 'Pirates' this Sunday at home against a talented Chipping Norton side, an upset could be on the cards.

CHELTENHAM U11s v MALVERN U11s

THE final score of the game never reflects the spirit of the teams involved, which was certainly true when MRFC Under 11 Tigers took a bus trip last Sunday to face Cheltenham, arguably the best team around at this level.

Despite a clear skill and experience gap and lacking two top players, Tom Hale and Louis Jones, the brave Tigers put up a defence to be proud of. In the first half alone Malvern stopped around six try line scores with Chris Spicer working well with Josh Allison to push back the home side's pressure.

Malvern man of the match was Fraser Pearson who inspired the team well as captain and demonstrated the only visible ruck and maul action.

Mention must go to Sam Pocock whose fearless tackling stifled several strong Cheltenham charges, and Duncan Powell who in his first game provided a salvation at full back - a star to watch out for!

Recently the squad and club learned of the sad news of the death of Chris Hale.

Until recently Chris was the team's most loyal supporter home and away and his touch line guidance and support will be greatly missed.