FIELDING a well-balanced mix of youth and experience, Malvern's seconds travelled to Shropshire last Saturday to meet Newport's seconds.

NEWPORT II 24pts, MALVERN II 5pts

With nearby Harper College giving access to several academy standard imports, including three Fijians, Newport's ability to turn defence into attack proved the difference as almost from the off, Malvern found themselves behind following a swift move down the left.

Undaunted, the Spring Lane outfit made good ground through centres Ali Hills and Grant Fraser before releasing wing Will Clee, but the covering defence held firm, bundling the pacey youngster into touch.

Malvern's lighter, more mobile pack were quicker to the breakdown, but the forceful rucking of their bulky opposition frequently disrupted the visitors' attempts to secure quick ball, and genuine attacking opportunities were lost as the home side found time to re-organise in defence.

Newport's full-back took advantage when Malvern's tackling for once let them down, breaking through to score under the posts for a seven pointer. Then a sharp break by their fly-half saw the lead extended to 19 points as he cut through to score out wide.

Stung into action, Malvern upped their pace, with first prop Joe Ling, then number eight Pete Sharpe carrying strongly into Newport territory, before slick-passing along the line gave teenager Adam Green his first try at senior level.

The second period settled into a battle between the packs, with driving mauls being used by both sides, and the defences generally holding firm whenever the play was spread. However, the visitors were unlucky not to close the gap as twice final passes to players in scoring positions were judged forward.

Malvern's scrum, which had competed well with their heavier opposition, was caught out with a quick early nudge and drive, the hosts succeeding in pushing over from five metres to extend their lead.

Although the visitors pushed hard for the final minutes and showed admirable spirit in rattling their opposition into a series of infringements, including a dangerously high tackle on flanker Nick Clarke, they were unable to add to their tally and the final whistle came with the score unchanged.