MALVERN accused high-flying hosts Earlsdon of rough-house tactics in their 24-5 Midlands Two West (South) defeat.

The second-placed Coventry side proved they could play good rugby earlier in the season at Spring Lane when they beat the Worcestershire side 40-24.

But Malvern accused their opponents this time of off-the-ball stamps and punches and claimed the referee failed to take action.

An Earlsdon player was eventually sin-binned for entering a ruck at the side.

Malvern director of rugby David Irish said: “We had an under-strength team with half-a-dozen lads missing but I was proud of the way the boys faced up to some fairly unpleasant and frankly unnecessary tactics.

“They can be proud of their performance against a much stronger side, who can play good rugby without the need to resort to some of the things we saw.

“We now write off this result and go into a series of three home games, starting with Leamington (on Saturday) before the rearranged Bedworth match and facing a strong Spartans team.”

Seventh-placed Malvern had to defend for long periods in the first half with spirited defence frustrating Earlsdon. The visitors’ Liam Roleston was forced off the field early on due to an ankle injury.

Earlsdon started to play good rugby 10 minutes before half-time and scored a try after several phases stretched the defence.

They added a second effort on the whistle with a drive against the head.

The second half saw another Earlsdon try as they opted for a scrum after a penalty was given.

However, over the next 20 minutes, Malvern gained more possession and attacked their opponents’ half with good play.

They were denied by tight defence and gave away a soft score at the other end when a wildly misplaced kick went straight to the home winger, who combined well with his team-mates to earn the try bonus point.

After that, it was all mid-table Malvern with the young team determined to get on the scoresheet.

They battered away, winning a succession of penalties which saw a further two home players sin-binned.

Malvern were not awarded a penalty try but the pack stormed over from a catch-and-drive move to cross the line with Richard Hobbs touching down.