MALVERN were denied a statement victory at league leaders Newent on Saturday as the hosts roared back to record a 34-16 win.

The visitors had led 13-3 at half-time after Harvey Smedley converted Joe Budd's try and knocked over two penalties.

Smedley slotted another three-pointer in the second-half to put them 16-10 up but the home side came right back into it before eventually stepping on the accelerator and recording another bonus-point win to keep their place firmly at the top of the table. 

It was the first game of the season that Malvern did not take any points from and despite only losing three times, they find themselves third bottom in the standings. 

But with three draws, one victory and two losing bonus points, it has still been an impressive start to the 2023/24 campaign, although they will be hoping to add to their win column next weekend when they host Stratford Upon Avon (Saturday, November 4).

Whilst the firsts were on the road, it was up to the second team to entertain the Spring Lane crowd and they did so in style with a thumping 63-7 win over Five Ways Old Edwardians in the Counties 4 Midlands West (South). 

It was a competitive opening 20 minutes in which both sides exchanged tries, before Malvern put their foot on the accelerator and never looked back. 

Keiron Robins (2), Dan Sparrey and Max Griffiths all strolled over for the hosts and with the help of Cullen Harris' boot, Malvern held a 29-7 lead at the break.

Griffiths stretched his legs to add another score following the restart before Marcus Hill powered his way over following a dominant scrum.

Raffi Cossali-Francis highlighted his pace and finishing ability to score twice in quick succession down the left wing and further tries from Ryan Pickering and Jack Nicholson added the cherry on top of the cake as Malvern completed a successful afternoon.

The 2s sit fourth in the table but are just three points off leaders Upton with a game in hand on the top two. 

They return in two weeks time with a trip to Redditch (November 4).