THIS was always going to be a tough fixture against a side who had always been playing at Midlands One level since the inception of league rugby.

MALVERN 18pts, BROADSTREET 31pts

Dwarfed by the big Broadstreet pack, Malvern showed throughout that they can compete with any side in the set pieces. The difference between the sides came down to the size of the Broadstreet forwards in well-rehearsed moves from the line-out, three tries coming from catch and driving mauls.

Malvern started well, Longley putting over a penalty in the first minute to set up a positive period of play from the home side. However, a taste of what was to come saw Malvern concede a penalty, Broadstreet kicked to the corner and from the line-out their pack rumbled over, Skurr touching down.

Longley put Malvern back into the lead and for long periods it was the new boys who were dictating play until a succession of penalties saw the visitors move up and camp out on the Malvern line, desperation leading to a penalty try which Watts converted.

Play continued to switch from end to end and just before half time some excellent Malvern pressure led to a five metre scrum. The smaller Malvern pack drove back a surprised Broadstreet eight, Andy Ridley picking up and driving over from close in.

Hopes of an upset were high amongst the Malvern faithful during the break. The Broadstreet half backs and back line had shown no great potential, but it was their forwards who once again took control.

Playing a tight, controlled game they starved Malvern of the ball, at the same time tying up the defence. This created space for winger Shepherd to score in the corner two minutes into the half. For the next 20 minutes Malvern saw little possession as the visiting battering ram moved relentlessly on, and although the Malvern defence gamely held on, Blakeway, Jenkin and Longley all putting in relieving kicks, another close-in line out saw a repeat catch and drive for prop Garcia to score, Watts converting.

Shepherd scored again after Malvern were reduced to 14 men when Taylor was sin-binned, Watts' conversion putting them 20 points in front with five minutes to go. A last-gasp Malvern rally saw them force a penalty close to the Broadstreet line and George Blakeway jinked in to set up Longley's conversion.

Malvern coach Rudy Smith was sanguine after the defeat, saying: "It is very difficult to defend the type of move which gave them three scores when you don't have people who are physically big enough to stop them. Not only were they bigger, they were a lot wider as well. I'm afraid it's a case where size does matter, and the higher up the league you go the more you find this type of play. We must develop the ability to counter the pick and drive."

Director of rugby David Robins agreed: "Their experience at this level showed. They stuck rigidly to a limited game plan, which they have practiced for years and they do it well. Because they didn't let us get our hands on the ball, we couldn't test what looked like an ordinary back division, and although we came back at them near the end, it was too little and too late. It is already apparent that no one team is going to dominate as in the lower leagues - it is up to us to go the extra yard and make our own luck."

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern first XV have a rest from Cup and League duty and will be away to Old Patesians (Nat. League Three South) kick-off 2.30pm.