MALVERN Rugby Club’s director of rugby Dave Irish has not given up hope of a top-three finish in Midlands Two West (South).

Irish’s men have just three league matches remaining and are six points adrift of third-placed rivals Banbury.

Malvern secured a 25-18 win at Nuneaton Old Edwardians last weekend and Irish believes his side could squeeze above Banbury.

“It would be fantastic for us to finish third but, looking at the fixtures, I have to admit it’s probably 70-30 in Banbury’s favour,” said Irish.

“We could still achieve it – the key fixtures are probably when we travel to Old Laurentians and Banbury are away to Pinley.

“We definitely want to finish higher than Pinley because, with their brand of rugby, it would be a travesty to come behind them.”

Malvern are without a match today as North Midlands Shield semi final opponents Bridgnorth are in the RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup final.

Irish said: “We don’t know yet when we will play Bridgnorth because they could still have three fixtures in the cup. Kidderminster Carolians are in the final and we might have to play Bridgnorth after the league programme has finished.”

Irish felt Malvern lacked concentration in overcoming Nuneaton Old Edwardians.

“We were well in control until the break but, with a two-score cushion, we seemed to lose focus and allowed them to get back into the game,” added Irish.

“We will be addressing the concentration issues in training before our next game at home to a tough and improving Old Coventrians side on March 21.”

Malvern visit Old Laurentians on March 28 and host Old Leamingtonians on April 11.

Meanwhile, Malvern have a National Under 17s Cup Midlands divisional semi-final against Newark at Spring Lane on Sunday (noon).

They qualified after finishing second in the North Midlands League.

Malvern had a bye in the quarter-finals and, skippered by full-back Dan Batty, are the sole remaining North Midlands representatives. Club spokesman Kevin Purcell said: “We need support to make sure the under 17s are given an extra boost that makes playing at home a real advantage.

“There is some real talent in a team who were winning tournaments 10 years ago as the under sevens in tag rugby days. This season, they have added some players from other clubs and there is a real sense of purpose.”