MALVERN Rugby Club went one point clear at the top of Midlands Two West (South) with a 51-21 win at Southam.

On a day which suited running rugby, within 30 seconds skipper Tom Hale burst up the wing and flipped inside to Rob Cook for a splendid opening Malvern try which he converted.

The competitive hosts responded with a drive downfield and kicked a penalty from in front of the posts.

But Malvern's Luke Milton put in a run from full-back and the ball was worked for Hale to outpace the defence with Cook again converting.

Two quick penalties drew Southam within five points.

However, Malvern responded again as Milton and Cook combined for speedy wing Hale to bag another converted effort.

Southam countered with a converted try but Cook ended the half with two penalties which produced a yellow card for the hosts.

Playing with the slope and wind, Malvern started the second half brightly and a poor clearance kick allowed Adam Dixon to go over down the wing with Cook landing the tricky conversion.

With Malvern 18 points ahead, Jack Longley was sin-binned for taking out a Southam man in the air at a line-out.

The Warwickshire side used the man advantage to score in the corner but again Malvern came straight back.

A clever Cook chip and catch saw him put Hale in for his hat-trick try and the former Gloucester player kept up his 100 per cent kicking record with his conversion.

Malvern's fitness levels started to show and Cook sprinted down the wing to go over and convert his own try.

As Malvern hunted the half-century, Cook took them there with a penalty in the dying seconds to round off a satisfying afternoon.

Skipper Hale said: “Everyone will be gunning for us so we need to be on top of our game every time we take the field.”

Malvern, who are just ahead of Droitwich in the table, host Nuneaton Old Edwardians on Saturday in the league at Spring Lane (3pm).

The Warwickshire visitors will be especially keen to get a result as Malvern consigned them to relegation in the final match of last season only for a reprieve due to a league reorganisation.

The match is preceded by a members' lunch where guests and potential new club members are welcome.