MALMESBURY's late rally proved in vain as they were narrowly defeated in Saturday 28 September friendly match.

Malmesbury started the game with only 12 men as Nick Brown and Mark Mipanz were caught in a traffic and paid the price after 20 minutes when Old Edwardians went over for a try in the corner.

They soon conceded a second try and were 12 points down by the half hour mark. They hit back before the interval following an ten yard penalty. Steve Brady's pass picked out Dave Manktelow near the touchline and he sidestepped his way over the line.

Old Edwardians restored their 12-point cushion but Malmesbury kept themselves in contention when Dave Manks set up their second try.

It was converted and the visitors closed the gap to two points when skipper Craig Sillars, playing out of position on the wing, went over. Malmesbury forced three scrums, but the home full-back intercepted Brady's pass and raced the length of the pitch to score. The visitors scored again on the break and added the conversion from the touchline but ran out of time to rescue the match.