MALVERN have had to concede a walkover in the RFU Midlands Intermediate Cup for the first time due to injury trouble. 

The second-round clash with Midlands Two West (North) high-fliers Camp Hill was due to take place at Spring Lane tomorrow.

But an injury list of 13 first-teamers meant at least eight untried players would have been drafted in against much stronger opposition with the risk of even more additions to the walking wounded.

A spokesman said: “Malvern first XV have been so badly hit by injuries that the club has, for the first time in their history, been forced to concede a walkover to their opponents Camp Hill.”

David Robins, president of the Midlands Two West (South) club, was saddened by the withdrawal but said the health and safety of their players was paramount.

He continued: “To bring in young players against a team riding high near the top of their league would be irresponsible.

“They would struggle to compete and the threat of injury would be ever-present, so with a heavy heart we have been forced to withdraw from the cup.

“It is imperative we bring players back to full recovery before our league match at Southam (on October 22), where we hope to get our season back on track.”

Kidderminster Carolians visit Old Laurentians in the same competition.

Meanwhile, Worcester Wanderers are in action tomorrow at Weston’s Fields against Bridgnorth in the North Midlands Cup quarter-finals (3pm).

Droitwich are at home to Clee Hill in the RFU Midlands Senior Vase second round and Evesham head to Willenhall.

In the RFU Midlands Junior Vase second round, Bromyard host Aston Old Edwardians, Chaddesley Corbett entertain Brackley and Greyhound welcome Kings Norton, while Tenbury go to Bloxwich.