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MALVERN 62, GUANOS 24.

IT was fun in the sun for Malvern as they ran out convincing winners in their annual sponsors' match.

After securing promotion last month, the Spring Lane side entertained a large crowd when they battled Te Guanos, a side with players from sides including Dudley-Kingswinford and Stourbridge.

Malvern fielded some guest players in their ranks, including Tom Beechey of Lydney, Ben Barkley of Worcester's all-conquering Colts from last year and a few others who may yet become regulars in Malvern colours in the future.

Despite Malvern being the hottest spot in the UK, the game was played at a furious pace, the Guano's rule of not kicking penalties ensuring a flow of play throughout.

After the invitation side opened the scoring, Tom O'Brien levelled, and then Richard Fleming rode three tackles to set Beechey off on a 40-metre run in. Barkley, Watkins and Beechey all scored tries as play opened up for Malvern to take a 36-5 lead at half -time.

The Guanos scored at the start of the second-half, running in a try from loose play, but Malvern quickly responded as Beechey chased down a kick ahead, then Fleming got on the score sheet. Fielding the restart kick, Malvern again ran the ball out to Beechey for the speedy winger to run in another try. The Malvern pack, playing superbly, offloaded and Fleming bagged another score.

In the last ten minutes, the Guanos came back with a couple of scores to round off a highly enjoyable final day of rugby for the season.

Malvern's director of rugby David Robins was delighted with the win and hopes his side can attract new players to make the step up next season.

He said: "We saw some class acts on the field today for both of the sides.

"Hopefully these are the calibre of player we can attract to Malvern to boost the squad."

12:08pm Friday 16th May 2008

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