A SOLITARY second-half score from Conor Giggle was all Malvern could muster as Bromsgrove ran in eight tries in a 54-5 victory at Finstall Park.

With Malvern still vastly understrength due to a long injury list it was always going to be a tough afternoon against the Midlands One West leaders.

The Spring Lane side started brightly but their good work was undone when a looped pass was intercepted for a converted try.

This was the signal for the Boars to flex their muscle as they won a series of penalties deep inside Malvern’s half before forcing their way over for a second.

Malvern were guilty of contributing to Bromsgrove’s cause as a poor restart led to the home side winning a scrum and then cutting through for a third.

Another bad kick-off, more ineffective tackling and the bonus point was secured within the opening 20 minutes.

Malvern competed but struggled to contain the Boars who had too much firepower as they ripped the ball away and scored their fifth.

A powerful forward drive then gave Bromsgrove a 42-0 lead at half-time and left Malvern looking at the prospect of being on the receiving end of a record score unless they tightened things up.

Although Bromsgrove struck twice in the second half Malvern’s tackling became more effective.

They started to control the forward surges better and shut down Boars’ pacey backs well.

A reward for this improvement came when Giggle pounced on a Bromsgrove pass and sped downfield to score.

A few minutes later Jack Curtis almost got a second but was overhauled within yards of the line.

Malvern battled until the final whistle but were handed another heavy reverse to remain bottom of the table.

Rob Cook’s side’s next game takes place a week on Saturday when they host Worcestershire rivals Droitwich.

Midlands Three West (South) bottom club Upton-on-Severn suffered an agonising 16-15 loss to Old Yardleians. Upton have no game this weekend.

Bromyard were held to a 28-28 draw with second-placed Burbage in Midlands Four West (South).

The Herefordshire outfit visit high-fliers Claverdon on Saturday.