THE Malvern U17 'Stags" signed-off their final match as part of the Malvern RFC Youth Development Section with a 30-0 defeat at the hands of Worcester in the semi-final of the North Midlands RFU U17 Cup at Spring Lane on Sunday.

MALVERN U17 'Stags' 0, WORCESTER U17's 30 pts

Despite conceding a converted try and two penalties early in the game, the 'Stags' held out until the final ten minutes of the match when Worcester ran in three tries (one converted) to give the visitors a rather more flattering winning score than they actually deserved.

Sadly, Malvern's cause was not helped with the sudden unavailability of some of their key players just prior to the start of the match, but thanks to some of the members of the U16's who stepped-in to fill the vacant places, the 'Stags' cause was not lost without a fight.

The 'Stags' will now fragment with most of the squad taking-up places in the Malvern senior sides, while others will continue to play youth rugby in a North Midlands RFU U17/18 league next season or join Colts set-up's elsewhere.

Speaking after the cup-tie Gary Tolley, the chairman of Youth Rugby at Malvern RFC said: "I am saddened that our 'flag-ship' rugby squad has decided to break-up.

"For many at Malvern RFC, the 'Stags' will always hold a special part in the evolution of youth rugby, as they were the first age group squad of the club, to have passed from mini rugby to youth rugby and gaining some great prizes and respect along the way".

He continued: "I quite understand the reasons behind the decision of the squad because many of them want to play senior rugby on Saturday afternoons rather than youth rugby on Sunday mornings.

"But to ensure that these young players are not misused, I will be pressing the club to ensure that they are given full support and level of coaching to allow them to become properly integrated with the senior players.

"There are some fine young players there and I look forward to seeing some of their names alongside Steve Cooper, Andy Longley and Matt Williams before the end of next season".