BOSS Rob Cook delivered a glowing mid-season report after Malvern Rugby Club ended 2019 with a 36-7 win at Old Laurentians.

The Spring Lane side are third in Midlands Two West (South) with games in hand on the top two and only one defeat in the competition.

They are also in the RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup semi-finals with a home tie against Leek ahead on Saturday, January 18.

Director of rugby and former Gloucester player Cook said: “It has been a pleasing start to the season.

“We have for the most part played a good brand of rugby.

“We have introduced new players and brought through a number of young players.

“This season both forwards and backs have been dominating in most games.

“Fourteen wins from 15 in cup and league leaves us in the North Midlands semi-final and (Midlands) semi-finalists in the National Intermediate Cup.

“Two games in hand leave us nicely placed in the league.

“The best thing is the competition for places. We have strength in depth in every position.

“We can and will improve and I look forward to continuing my role in getting the balance right in terms of team selection.

“I love the fact that the players know they have to train hard week in and week out if they want to win the first-team shirt.

“Finally a big recognition to our second team who are flying high in their league despite having regular cry-offs against them.

“Our thirds are now a team in their own right with some great results and an abundance of players.

“Youth and colts rugby goes from strength to strength through so many committed coaches and parents.”

Malvern won at fifth-placed Old Laurentians after starting off with Max Richardson’s try from a driving maul off a lineout which Cook converted.

Luke Milton darted over following Richardson’s pass and Cook added the extras when full-back Sommerville raced through.

Then Dan Batty found Ieuan Mustow who ran in to score and the former converted.

Old Laurentians hit back with a converted effort before Batty kicked a penalty to make it 29-7 at half-time.

In a more even second period try-scoring chances were wasted by both sides until replacement hooker Liam Maloney dived over and Batty converted.

Second row Arran Carr made a solid first-team debut and contributed to a dominant display by the pack.

Malvern return to action on Saturday, January 4, at home to Silhillians.