MALVERN climbed to third in Midlands Two West (South) on points difference after a disjointed display at county rivals Droitwich still brought a 16-8 win.

Playing against a strong wind in the first-half, Malvern’s defence was tested several times by the hosts' big front five.

However, the visitors' more mobile pack continually disrupted their attempts and stole the ball.

Trying to play their normal running game, Malvern put in several attacks but conditions meant the final pass to the wingers went astray.

Second-from-bottom Droitwich eventually struck first as they won a penalty to go into Malvern’s 22-metre area.

They then put in a series of drives to score an unconverted try in the corner.

Malvern responded by moving the ball into home territory and won a penalty.

The referee marched Droitwich back for dissent and Ben King made no mistake to pull back three points.

This spurred Malvern on and they raised their game to take control, repeatedly running at Droitwich.

However, a neck injury to Stuart Clarke halted the game for 10 minutes and added to the stop-start nature of the match.

On the restart, Malvern’s strong defence held up a Droitwich drive and the Spring Lane side again ran at the hosts.

Luke Milton and Nick Clarke combined before prop and former centre Grant Fraser speedily charged through for a try to put Malvern ahead for the first time.

King converted and Malvern reached half-time with a five-point lead.

With a weaker wind now at their backs, Malvern continued to run the ball and forced Droitwich into desperate defending.

Inevitably, the home side infringed again and King assuredly put over the penalty.

However, for all their dominance, it was a day when passes didn’t stick or the ball was knocked on too much.

Malvern's Nick Clarke received treatment after he appeared to receive a boot to the head but was able to resume.

Droitwich had a five-minute period of possession through their forwards and kicked a penalty.

But Malvern were well in control and a further penalty from King restored the eight-point gap and secured the win.