DRAWN in possibly the toughest pool of the North Midlands Under 12 Rugby Festival, Malvern were outgunned and intimidated by pure physical size of the opposition forwards in the three games that they played on the somewhat narrow and sodden Bromsgrove pitches.

Lacking the ability to fight fire with fire, the options for Malvern U12's became limited and despite their best efforts to open up a free running game, the power play of the opposition forwards overcame them in nearly every case.

Their first match was against the much fancied Bromsgrove team who despite their large physical presence were given a very difficult time before they finally overcame Malvern by three tries to nil. In fact Malvern gave a very good account of themselves in all departments, retaining the ball for a lion's share of the game and yet with nothing to show for their efforts.

Then with only minutes to recover, Malvern were in action again, this time against a very robust team from Old Halesonians. Malvern won the match by one try to nil, the score coming from Alex McToal mid-way through the first half after the Malvern back's were finally given the chance to run in the only constructive three-quarters move of the day by any side in Malvern's pool!

Malvern's next opponents were Birmingham and Solihull and like Bromsgrove, The "Bees" had built a side around some very big lads and played in a very similar style, power play to the fore. Needing to score at least three tries to secure a place in the play-off's, Malvern again tried desperately to turn good possession into points but sadly to no avail. Victory went to the "Bees" with a try scored from a well-executed forward drive in the first minute of the match.

Although deeply disappointed, Malvern should not be too disheartened by the day's rugby. The team played extremely well against three forward dominated sides, and if the conditions had been more favourable for an expansive game, then the good form of the Malvern team would have come to the fore. The player-of-the-tournament was awarded to team captain Will Bowen who again showed his ability to rise to the big occasions, producing reliable form throughout.

THE Malvern Hyundai's junior rugby team, sponsored by Bowling Green Garage, took a day trip to Dudley last weekend to compete in the Dudley Kingswinford Under 11's tournament.

Despite the team comprising mostly under 10's they took the opportunity to play up at the level. An unlucky draw put Malvern in a group with arguably the best competitors they could face comprising games against Dudley, Old Sillhillians and Worcester.

With a depleted squad Malvern put up their bravest display of the season and coach Andy page is very proud of every one of his team. With only just enough players to field a squad the Hyundai's took a battering from the start and cleanly lost the first games 6-0 and 3-0. The last game against Worcester was expected to follow suit but at half time the score was 0-0 and some desperate defence by Worcester kept out several near scores by Malvern. Late in the game some Worcester substitutions gave them fresh legs and the game finished 3-0 to Worcester.

Man of the day overall was Oliver Jenkins for displaying some inspiring rugby as well as a brave return to the field following an injury.