MAGICAL Malvern ended Droitwich's 100 per cent league record over the last two seasons with a stunning 42-17 beating at Spring Lane.

They moved within one point of the Midlands Two West (South) leaders who still have a game in hand.

RFU Intermediate Cup finalists Droitwich's forward power met Malvern's running game in front of the hosts' biggest crowd of the season.

The visitors, defending a 40-game league winning run, began strongly but Malvern’s defence was outstanding through-out.

Full-back Luke Milton took them to the Droitwich 22 and a penalty try was awarded as the away skipper put in a high tackle, earning a yellow card.

Spa replied with a drive-over try but Malvern hit back as Rob Cook and Ieuan Mustow combined before setting Jack Curtis off to score and set up Cook’s conversion.

Malvern took the game to Droitwich and won another penalty which Cook slotted over to stretch the lead to 12 points.

The hosts earned another penalty as they piled on the pressure and the line-out was won with play switched for skipper Tom Hale to charge through for another converted effort.

Droitwich responded but Malvern held firm and a penalty led to a counter-attack with a high tackle giving Cook a simple penalty to lead 27-5 at the break.

At the start of the second period, Milton caught the ball and countered with Droitwich giving away another penalty which Cook slotted over.

Spa put in several attacking phases and were denied by a big Hale hit but Malvern got caught offside and Droitwich put in a driving maul to score in the corner.

Undeterred, Malvern pressured Droitwich on their own line before Jack Longley caught the clearance and went over to score.

They attacked Spa down the wing where Conor Giggle ran in the final Malvern try.

Droitwich replied with a late penalty try but the final whistle went to scenes of joy from home players and supporters alike.

Malvern director of rugby Rob Cook said “This was a very good win for us. We were strong in all areas, solid in the scrum and even took the ball against the head.

"Our line-out was quality, both are evidence of the coaching of Nick Tisdale. We also knew that if we got the ball to the backs we could cause havoc and did just that against a well-drilled defence.

"Droitwich are a fantastic team. Their season by any standard has been outstanding and we wish them and their supporters well for the rest of the season and in particular for the final at Twickenham.”

Malvern visit Earlsdon on Saturday while Droitwich host Nuneaton Old Edwardians.

OTHER RESULTS

Midlands One West: Moseley Oak 14 Hereford 35; Sutton Coldfield 36 Bromsgrove 33; Wolverhampton P Worcester P.

Division Two West (South): Kenilworth 36 Evesham 14.

Division Three West (South): Old Leamingtonians 74 Ledbury 14; Rugby St Andrews 33 Bromyard 7.

Division Four West (South): Pershore 34 Burbage 43; Redditch 29 Birmingham Civil Service 33.

Division Five West (North): Chaddesley Corbett 60 St Leonards 17; Greyhound 57 Warley 17.

SATURDAY'S OTHER FIXTURES

Midlands One West: Bromsgrove v Wolverhampton; Hereford v Rugby Lions; Worcester v Melbourne.

Division Two West (South): Evesham v Leamington.

Division Three West (South): Alcester v Upton; Bromyard v Shipston-on-Stour; Ledbury v Old Wheatleyans.

Division Four West (South): Bedworth v Tenbury; Burbage v Redditch; Claverdon v Pershore.

Division Five West (North): Bishops Castle & Onny Valley v Stourport.