Malvern penalties bring cup exit

Malvern's EDF Intermediate Cup run ended as they were ousted by high-riding London One side Luton.

Luton were 11-0 ahead when home wing Greg Summers sped past his opposite winger to score, before Cameron Pimlow potted a penalty for Malvern.

Malvern gave away six kickable penalties, all converted by Luton's stand-off Dan Howells.

Despite Gareth Taylor burrowing over and Pimlow converting, Luton won 25-15.

Malvern director of rugby David Robins was not happy about the number of penalties awarded against his side.

"Whilst some were deserved, the fact that we were penalised 12 times in the first half, when several glaring offences by Luton went unpunished, indicates to me that the referee was perhaps not having the best of days," he said.

"The muddy conditions made it difficult for both sides so there were a lot of handling errors, but overall I was proud of our performance, especially as we had six changes."

We have lost games due to our inability to kick penalties and conversions

Malvern director of rugby Dave Robins

Meanwhile Malvern have signed Nicolas Gyucha, a junior France international, until the end of the season.

Gyucha will arrive at Spring Lane after the Christmas break to spend several months improving his English as part of his studies in International Law.

Previously with Nice URCA in France's Federale 1 Division, the equivalent of National Two in England, Gyucha spent some time at Barking RFC, currently in National Three, before returning to France.

Robins said Nicolas can play at stand-off, centre or full-back and is also a goal kicker with a 75% success rate.

"This is an area of weakness for us and we have lost games due to our inability to kick penalties and conversions, so his addition to the squad will be a bonus.

"He has played in the second tier of French League rugby in the past and we will welcome his experience in midfield. "