MALVERN U17S Pirates 19pts, LUDLOW U17S 5pts

AFTER their comprehensive win over Ledbury, Malvern Pirates faced a much stiffer test against Ludlow, who had given a very good account of themselves against Worcester a week earlier.

The Pirates expected a very difficult confrontation up-front and this is exactly what they got from a well-drilled Ludlow pack who were very competent in the use of the rolling maul and short, sharp drives close to the breakdown.

Malvern came under severe pressure when they tried to take on the visitors at their own game. The lighter Malvern forwards were no match for the bigger and heavier counterparts and with possession lost the Ludlow pack forced their way forward to claim the opening try of the match.

The try gelled the Pirates resolve and although they were forced to defend, Ludlow were denied any further scores. Instead a turn-over in the Malvern 22 saw a lightening counter-attack by the Malvern backs to give Sam McCoy the chance to touch down before John Brierly securing the conversion to put Malvern ahead by 7-5.

The score remained unchanged at the break, but the Pirates began to match the Ludlow maul in the second period by out-rucking the visitors and employing pick and drive tactics.

The Malvern line-out was highly effective too, with key jumpers Stefan Milosavjlovich and Chris Reed enjoying total superiority in the air.

Another fast break from the Malvern backs, from a well-controlled line-out, gave Craig Smith the space out wide to outstrip his marker, only for an excellent covering tackle by the Ludlow full-back. Nevertheless, good support from McCoy and Brierly was rewarded and the duo extended Malvern's lead to 14-5 thanks to a converted try.

Malvern were now in control and when Ludlow lost two of their most influential players to injuries, one requiring hospital treatment, the home side turned the tables and forced Ludlow to defend within their own 22.

The final try came from Malvern's man-of-the-match Bert Davis, who left his wing to link-up with the Malvern mid-field and then mesmerise the Ludlow defenders with a weaving run to the try-line for Pirates' third try of the match.

The 19-5 result gave the Malvern Pirates another two league points and moved them up to second place in the U17 league, behind Worcester who convincing beat Hereford by 50-0.

The other result in the North Midlands U17 league (Southern Division) saw Ledbury secure their first points of their campaign with a well earned 20-5 victory against basement-club Old Yardlieans.