MALVERN suffered a successive Midlands Two West (South) defeat at the hands of Silhillians 39-17 at Spring Lane on Saturday.
The hosts were caught napping from the offset by a very competent and organised Silhillians team, who took an early lead through a penalty before bursting through the Malvern defence to score the game’s opening try.
The Birmingham outfit stretched their lead moments later when a Malvern penalty failed to find touch, leaving the visitors to run it in for another try.
At 17-0 down inside the first 20 minutes, the hosts finally responded, as Connor Giggle offloaded to Tom Hale who powered his way through three tackles to score and set up Will Gough’s conversion.
But any hopes of a comeback were dashed at the restart as Silhillians carved open a leaky Malvern defence to score, before surging forward again to cross the whitewash just before half-time.
Entering the second period, Malvern improved as George Roberts found Rory Atkins who stormed over for a well deserved try, before Gough scored his second penalty to bring the hosts to within two scores.
But Silhillians rounded off their dominant display with two late tries.
Director of Rugby David Irish said: “We gave away at least three tries through our own naivety to a side which has been playing at a higher level and is obviously well drilled.
“However, I’m more concerned with the immediate future, having picked up four more injuries which are leaving our squad looking rather thin.
“Whilst a couple may be sorted by the physios this week, there are some serious casualties who look to be out for the long term.”
Malvern host Camp Hill this Saturday in the second round of the RFU Intermediate Cup (kick-off 3pm).