A MUCH-changed seconds squad turned out for Malvern on Saturday in conditions unsuited to their normal running style.

MALVERN II 8pts, BROAD STREET II 31pts

They gave a spirited performance, but suffered their second defeat of the season as they fell to the visitors' mauling power.

Playing up the slope, the hosts found themselves under early pressure as the Warwickshire side's bulky pace secured their set-piece play and used the driving maul at every opportunity to make ground.

Conceding a scrum in their 22, Malvern were unable to stop the visitor's number eight, who picked from the base before crossing in the blindside corner for a well converted try.

Handling errors from the restart allowed the Spring Lane outfield a good attacking platform and a strong carry from number eight and captain Lee Varney threatened the line. The defenders' illegal hands in the ruck saw the award of a penalty which fly-half Adam Dixon struck over.

The visitors then took control, creating several driving opportunities, two of which resulted in tries, one being converted well from the touch-line by their impressive fly-half Paul Downes, to give his side a 17-3 lead at the break.

Broad Street continued to dominate possession in the second period, but Malvern's defence held, breaking up the visitors' attacks and offering the greater threat in open play.

When Dave Green, who had replaced Dixon at ten, received quickly recycled ball, his raking pass allowed full-back Chris Williams to outflank the defence before skating through to score.

The visitors closed the game down, their relentless mauling securing two more converted tries.

Malvern continued to fight hard and with young flanker Liam Maloney making text book turnovers, chances offered themselves but the visitors' defence held out to ensure victory.