MALVERN resume their pursuit of leaders Droitwich on Saturday with a crunch clash at fellow high-fliers Kenilworth.

The Spring Lane side slipped up at Droitwich on December 9 with a 24-18 defeat at the unbeaten Midlands Two West (South) top team who head the table by six points.

But Malvern went into the Christmas break with a 46-14 home win over Earlsdon and go to third-placed Kenilworth with a seven-point lead over their hosts.

New director of rugby Rob Cook, the former Gloucester player, has brought the club together by making the senior teams a single entity for training and social activity.

Cook, who took up the role last summer, said: “It is always easy to focus on the playing side of any rugby club and easier still to focus on just first-team rugby.

“This is the team who will be the showcase for the club and much of the club’s efforts go into making them a success.

“However, this is underpinned by so many good people who give up their time as volunteers to ensure every aspect of the club works.

“This looks like many things — the parents and carers that coach, manage and safeguard our youth and mini teams.

“The work of our executive committee who ensure we are well organised, solvent and structured to ensure success.

“The volunteers who cater at our successful club lunches. Also the senior players from all three teams who regularly attend and coach on Sunday mornings.

“The long-term success of our club is based on these volunteers and the ex-players and officials who have and continue to invest their time and energy into supporting all aspects of the club.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and recognise their outstanding work.”

Meanwhile, Malvern under eights tag rugby team are holding a two-week free taster session on the next two Sundays at Spring Lane.

The trial from 10am until noon is open to all boys and girls in school year three.

For more information and to secure a place, email youthchairman@malvernrfc.co.uk.