TABLE-topping Malvern visited Cheltenham North in Midlands Two West with eight changes from the previous week's bruising encounter at Hereford and ran out 39-25 victors.

For the first 15 minutes, the action took place in Cheltenham's half as the young Malvern backs took advantage of their pack's good work in securing possession.

Wing Ryan Henshaw went closest to scoring as he burst through, but put a foot in touch. Against the run of play, home lock Matt Scott grabbed the opening try and Matt Teague added the extras.

Malvern skipper Ryan Watkins then nipped in to score and Adam Dixon slotted the conversion to level the game.

Cheltenham re-took the lead when skipper Chris Dean went over after a catch-and-drive. The visitors hit back again though by stealing a North line-out. Centre Ted Lang made a half-break and the ball went wide for Henshaw to power in for a 27th-minute equalising try.

Four minutes later, a cross-field kick found home wing John Morrison who crossed over. The see-saw nature of the game continued as Malvern hooker Luke Greenwood touched down to level the scores at 17-17.

North had the last say of the first-half as they put in a punishing 40-metre drive to pull in the Malvern defence, before releasing the ball for centre Tony James to restore a five-point lead at the break.

After the break, Malvern realised the heavier Cheltenham pack were starting to labour and reverted to their successful running style of rugby. In the 49th minute, Richard Fleming went on a foray upfield, the forwards drove on and the ball went out to Henshaw who ran in to level the scores once more.

Malvern started to open up North's defence with some good running and interplay. Will Clee and Christian Edwards found gaps to send away young prop Matt Newman to give the visitors the lead for the first time on 52 minutes.

The Cheltenham side forced a penalty from the restart and Teague pulled back three points.

However, when Malvern kicked off, a poor collection attempt allowed flanker Stewart Clarke to gather and race in to extend Malvern's lead.

For the last 20 minutes, Malvern dictated most of the play, pinning North back in their own half and only some knock-ons and forward passes prevented a larger lead.

In the last minute, man-of-the-match Henshaw finished proceedings by scoring under the posts and giving Dixon a final simple conversion.