MALVERN'S nightmare season continued as they lost 28-17 at Rugby-based Old Laurentians in a fairly scrappy Midlands Two West bottom of the table battle.

Malvern had previously been a bogey side for Old Laurentians, never having lost to them, but this time the ogres were laid to rest.

The Malvern pack, however, with Phil Rowle returning at flanker after a long absence, took the game to the home side and dominated for much of the first-half.

After an exchange of penalty goals and a yellow card each, Malvern camped for long periods in the home half. Smith took a line-out ball, the pack drove on and Julien Davies was on hand to nip over the line to give Dave Ott the extra two points.

But on the stroke of half-time, Old Laurentians kicked deep and their winger followed up to win the chase for the touchdown.

Malvern lost their rhythm in the second period, allowing Old Laurentians to get on top.

Giant Chinese prop Ping Han came on for his Malvern debut, replacing Lancett, and acquitted himself well. But on 50 minutes, a blind-side move caught Malvern cold and the home team took the lead.

Fifteen minutes later, Smith again took the line-out ball, Davies fed Dixon and the youngster went over for his first senior score, Ott converting.

Having re-taken the lead, Malvern failed to press home the advantage. Old Laurentians countered and the home full back and winger both scored tries before a final penalty secured a winning score.