MALVERN'S title hopes were hit by a 15-7 defeat at struggling Berkswell and Balsall in Midlands Two West (South).

Their winning run ended on a small pitch in the Warwickshire countryside as the hosts continually frustrated their game plan.

Berkswell and Balsall contained Malvern's running game, giving them no width to move the ball to their speedy wingers.

Showing five changes, mainly in the pack, the visitors faced a tight, ball-up-the-jumper game.

When Malvern got possession, the narrow pitch meant they had to move it quicker than usual which led to mishandling and missed passes.

Berkswell and Balsall went ahead with a penalty after a driving maul took them in kicking range and Malvern responded by trying to run the ball out of trouble.

But the blanket defence kept the Spring Lane side at bay until near the end of the half.

A series of good moves took them deep into home territory, forcing a couple of penalties before Liam Roleston broke through to score.

Rob Cook's conversion put them 7-3 up at the break.

The second half saw Berkswell and Balsall use the slope to their advantage and a heavier pack put Malvern under pressure at the set-piece.

From a five-metre scrum they drove over to retake the lead with a push-over try and conversion.

Apart from a couple of forays into home territory, most of the game was then played in the Malvern half as their defence was tested for long periods.

But Berkswell and Balsall eventually scored again from a scrum and drive to complete a frustrating day for the visitors.

Malvern's line-out misfired and the experienced home front row were a dominant force.

They now have to ensure their guaranteed play-off spot earns a home draw by winning at least two of the last three games.

The next challenge is against leaders Droitwich, who are six points ahead with a game in hand, at Spring Lane on Saturday, April 7 (3pm), before Earlsdon away and a final home game against Evesham.