THE pre-match team talks, complete with inspirational music, helped the Malvern team to brighten a gloomy January afternoon with a solid performance against fellow-strugglers Old Laurentians.

MALVERN 24PTS, OLD LAURENTIANS 7PTS

The Rugby-based side had won the previous Midlands Two (West) encounter, so Malvern were out for revenge.

The slippery conditions caused some early problems, including an unfortunate spill by Chris Ridgers as he made a fine break. Gareth Richards, back after a long lay-off, resumed his generalship of the backs, giving much more stability to the defence. Dave Wilkinson, moving to stand-off, acquitted himself with authority and Steve Ott, back in the number 15 position, joined the line to add his strong running.

However, it was a day for the forwards and the Malvern pack did not disappoint, the remorseless grind of the Malvern heavy brigade started to wear down the OLs from early on. On the quarter-hour Malvern whipped away the ball from a throw-in and lock Aidan Ruddock showed the pace built from his days as a centre to burst through to score. Ott converted and Malvern were on the way.

Ott added a penalty after 22 minutes, but OLs threatened briefly when they took advantage of some loose marking after a scrum, captain Ian Wallis going over for Dave Wallis to convert.

Malvern tightened up in defence and never looked like conceding anything for the rest of the game. Han, Irish and Lancett worked the front row well, Edwards and Ruddock provided the engine-room power whilst flankers Taylor and Rawle picked up everything around the fringes.

Phil Snare, starting at number 8, had possibly his best performance to date, going on the rampage to devastating effect. Wingers Lamb and Roberts constantly put pressure on the OL's backs when Ott or Wilkinson kicked for territory and Davies, after a nervy start, settled well into his new partnership with Wilkinson.

Midway through the second period, a kick ahead took Malvern deep into the opposing 22-metre area. OLs won a scrum but back-row pressure created a fumble and Phil Rawle was on hand to poach the try, Ott converted.

Tails up, Malvern raised the game even more, and put more pressure on the visitors. Another deep kick, another defending scrum and again the OLs defence fumbled, this time to let Lancett pounce cat-like onto the ball. Ott again took the extra brace to complete a fine victory at 24-7.