MALVERN u15s’ dream of capturing the North Midlands Cup came to end on Sunday as Worcester Wildones clinched a 19-12 win at a rain-soaked Weston Fields.
The quarter-final encounter was scheduled to take place in Malvern, but due to a water-logged pitch the match was moved to Worcester.
Despite the switch, the visitors went toe-to-toe with their opponents before opening the scoring on the 12th minute with a well-worked try from Alistair MacDonald.
Malvern were on top in the line-out and seemed to be holding a slight advantage in the scrum in the early stages.
But Worcester continued to battle away and they got their reward.
A quick tap penalty saw the Wildones push forward before Callum Gurney rounded Malvern’s defence to score under the posts, which Rhys Arthur converted to secure a 7-5 lead at half time.
The visitors responded superbly after the interval as they forced a penalty try, which George Amphlett dispatched to edge ahead at 12-7.
But Worcester’s pack appeared to draw new strength from losing the lead as they began to take control in the set pieces.
This extra lease of life provided a great attacking platform, which allowed the hosts’ backs to link up well and offload to Jack Hands who squeezed over in the corner to level the game.
With their tails up, Worcester then sealed victory with five minutes remaining when Will Lloyd collected the ball and powered his way over the line from 15 meters out, which Arthur converted.
Malvern had a chance in the dying seconds as they had the put in on a five metre scrum, but Worcester dug deep to secure their place in the last four.
Malvern first team’s Midlands One West clash against Walsall at Spring Lane was postponed for the second week running. And they will be hoping to not fall foul of the weather again when they travel to Barkers Butts on Saturday (2.15pm) as they bid to climb up the table.