FIELDING only nine players, all of who were teenagers, Malvern Ladies hockey team relied on their youthfulness and speed to compete with an experienced Badsey side.

BADSEY LADIES 0, MALVERN LADIES 1

Despite the disadvantage, Malvern dominated the first-half but were unable to finish as Badsey defended in numbers.

A much needed break at half-time saw Malvern come out with a much more positive attitude. They were rewarded with an excellent strike from captain Lucy Smith, who later went off with an injury, depleting the team further.

Malvern managed to defend well and prevented a determined Badsey attack from succeeding. The young Malvern defence, inspired by Anna Macloud linking well with her sister Laura, enabled Malvern to hang on for a hard-earned victory.

This continues a fine start to Malvern's season, who have now won two, lost one and drawn one of their opening games.