DIRECTOR of rugby Dave Irish has saluted the influence of George Withers and captain Luke Milton after a positive maiden campaign at Malvern Rugby Club.

The Spring Lane outfit, who are holding their end-of-season awards evening next Friday, finished fourth in Midlands Two West (South) and reached the semi-finals of the North Midlands Shield.

Irish felt last weekend’s 34-0 defeat at favourites Bridgnorth in the Shield had been a disappointing way to round off the term.

He says a big objective for the club next season is to run three sides.

“Unfortunately, the Shield tie was our last game of the season,” said Irish.

“It has been a long campaign and it was disappointing to end it with a scoreline like that.

“But the final score did not really reflect the determination and effort that our lads put into the game.

“Bridgnorth scored a couple of tries towards the end and it was far from a one-sided match.”

Malvern performed well, despite missing wingers George Roberts, Conor Giggle and Jordan Nwachukwu, centre Richard Fleming and props James Redfern and Grant Fraser and back row Rory Jones. Irish said: “Bridgnorth knew they had been in a game and had to show their defensive qualities to keep us out. They are heading to Twickenham in a national final and had a couple of players missing from their first-choice side.

“Their captain and hooker was on the bench but, due to what was happening, he was brought on and I think that was a big compliment to our lads.”

Reflecting on the campaign, Irish expressed his delight with the impact of Withers and Ben King, who arrived from Tenbury in pre-season, and commended the leadership of skipper Milton.

“Withers was superb and played in every minute of every game during the season which is a remarkable effort,” said Irish. “He played at hooker and, at times, even prop. King had trained at Ludlow when I was the coach there. George and Ben are good mates who both turned up to train with us in pre-season.”

He added: “Craig Freeman impressed after coming to us from Kings Norton and Jack Longley, our experienced back row, is another who stood out. Luke Milton led the side with distinction and is respected by all the players. His leadership was something which was noticeable to us all.”