MALVERN could not stop Midlands Two West (South) leaders Banbury as they returned from Spring Lane with a 37-8 success.

A howling wind did not let up and the same could be said of the Oxfordshire side, who produced a well-drilled, efficient display of rugby.

Using the near-gale-force elements to their advantage in the first half, Banbury started strongly but Malvern’s scrum held up well.

Conor Giggle’s fine run was only halted by a foot in touch and the pack won a penalty with Ben King slotting over.

But that was the sum total of Malvern’s scoring for the first half as Banbury tightened their grip.

The visitors won a lineout and worked the ball quickly down the left through Malvern’s leaky defence for an easy try to go ahead.

Banbury used a penalty to get deep into home territory and forced another penalty to add three more points.

They then snaffled a loose ball and moved swiftly down the right for a try before kicking a penalty after heaping more pressure on Malvern.

The leaders then scored two quick efforts as their strong runners exposed woeful cover to lead 30-3 at half-time.

Malvern turned around with the elements in their favour but Banbury again moved upfield to stretch the lead with a converted try.

The hosts enjoyed plenty of territory in the second half but were driven back by strong defending.

They also squandered fine moves by spilling or knocking the ball on.

Banbury had a player sin-binned after a flare-up and Malvern’s Luke Milton broke down the left before Tom Hale ran in strongly to score.

Nick Clarke then went over only for the referee to call play back for a forward pass.

Malvern director of rugby David Irish said: “Banbury showed why they are leading the league with a disciplined performance but once again we were responsible for our own downfall, failing to defend and letting in some soft tries.

“We now need to tighten up in defence and work on building on the good work being put in at the set piece by our pack.”

Eighth-placed Malvern visit Barkers Butts on Saturday.