MALVERN Rugby Club can strike a major blow in the Midlands Two West (South) title race with victory over unbeaten leaders Old Laurentians at Spring Lane tomorrow (2.15pm).

They are fourth in the division, six points behind their weekend visitors, and head into the top-of-the-table clash in good form.

Both teams suffered relegation last season and hope to bounce straight back into Midlands One. Malvern have won seven of their last eight games and are unbeaten at home, while Old Laurentians are yet to taste defeat in the league all season with nine wins and one draw.

The Worcestershire side overcame lowly Old Coventrians 29-13 last weekend and director of rugby Dave Irish was pleased with his side’s ability to grind out a win.

He said: “I was rightly quoted before the match as saying Old Covs wouldn’t be an easy place to win, despite the difference in league positions.

“We knew they had a bad injury list but they still played to their forward strengths to prove that Tile Hill is an uncomfortable place to collect points.

“The game was one of fits and starts, partly because we rarely got into top gear but also because OCs’ disruptive style of play makes life difficult.

“Losing Craig Freeman ([to injury]) for the second-half meant we lost the ability to lock up the scrum and OCs tried to capitalise on that but they never crossed our line, only gaining a penalty try as our defence held up well.”

Tomorrow sees the first meeting between Malvern and Old Laurentians this season and Irish anticipates a tough game against a side who finished six points above them in the bottom three in 2013-14.

He added: “Honours were shared last season but they are going well this time so will prove to be a stern test for us.”

Second-placed Newbold-on-Avon and Banbury in third, who are four and two points ahead of Malvern respectively, host Old Covs and another high-flier in Pinley.

Meanwhile, Malvern beat visitors and title-hopefuls Church Stretton 48-15 in the East and West North Midlands Under-17s League third round.

They conceded an early try but Dan Batty kicked a penalty before Tom Kenwright (2), Sam Ladd and James Richards all dived over with three conversions added.

Ollie Grinnell, Batty and Jack Curtis added to the try count in the second-half before Stretton hit back late on.