Malvern 3 pts Luctonians 27.

LUCTONIANS made a solid start against newly-promoted Malvern in Midlands 1.

They went into their opening league fixture with much the same squad of players which had taken them to last season’s divisional play-offs.

In ideal conditions for good rugby, Malvern made the early running but were unable to penetrate the resolute Luctonians defence.

In almost their first venture into the home 22, Luctonians won a lineout for fly-half Brett Prior to send Charlie Meredith in under the posts for a converted try.

Following a penalty the visitors went for a catch and drive, and despite Malvern’s efforts to pull it down, Nick Bryon kept his feet to drive over and Prior added the extra two points for a 14-0 half-time lead to Luctonians.

Malvern started the second period brightly and scored a penalty, but Luctonians profited from another catch and drive from five metres, with Paul Hulland scoring an unconverted try.

Prior added a dropped goal and the tactic of using the long-range kicking of Prior and Meredith forced Malvern to run from deep positions. In the dying minutes, Luctonians attacked again and were rewarded when centre Alex Smith outpaced the home defence to add a further try. Prior then missed his second conversion.

The victory represented a solid start by Luctonians, whose obvious team spirit may have been enhanced by a bonding weekend at the hands of the Army at Nesscliffe near Shrewsbury.

But there were some cautionary signs and the scrummage failed to display the kind of dominance so familiar last season.

There were too many unsuccessful lineouts and two yellow card periods of enforced absence.

The defence performed well, however, and the speed to the breakdown denied Malvern any worthwhile possession and scoring opportunities.

This Saturday, Luctonians will entertain another of the promoted sides in the shape of Hinckley, who secured their place in Midlands 1 after a play-off victory over Hereford.