Disappointed that their match was cancelled at the opening of the new clubhouse facilities because of water-logged pitches, the Malvern U12's made up for lost time by playing two matches against visiting teams at Spring Lane on Last Sunday.

After two rain-free days, the pitches at Spring Lane had dried out quite well and this gave Malvern and the visitors from Alcester and Bromyard the chance to play some excellent running-rugby.

Malvern opened the scoring in the first game against an Alcester side of unusually large proportions for the age group. Richard Mason, moving to fly half in place of the absent John Brierly varied the distribution of the ball between the Malvern backs and forwards. Strong running and quality passing from the Malvern players contributed to Alex McToal's converted try to put Malvern ahead early in the first half.

As the game became dominated by loosely structured forward play, so the size and strength of the Alcester pack took its toll and the visitors scored the next three tries despite some very dogged and at times clinical defensive play by the home side.

Whereas most teams would have capitulated to the Alcester forward power, the Malvern boys again showing real grit and 100% determination, fought their way back with some inventive play that resulted in a try from their strike centre Phil Shore for a final score of 19-14 to Alcester.

Malvern won their second match against Bromyard "Falcons" by 17-7. Once again Malvern faced a physically bigger team but a supreme team effort in both defence and attack gave Malvern the lion's share of possession. Tries were scored by Liam Moloney, Peter Tollhouse and Phil Shore, with Malvern's stalwart scrum half Rhys Coles converting one out of the three conversion attempts.

Both matches were conducted firmly and well by young Malvern referee Sean Maloney.

It is a great credit to the Youth Development Section of Malvern RFC that every one of a squad of 20 young players all contributed to these cohesive team performances.

Many of the boys played excellent rugby in unfamiliar positions, showing they are developing a balanced appreciation of the game. This bodes well for the second half of the season that begins on January 7 following a two-week festive break.