MALVERN Rugby Club start their league campaign on Saturday on the back of a 65-10 romp at Shrewsbury in the North Midlands Shield quarter-finals.

The weather conditions and a big pitch suited the style and pace of the visitors' game in their competitive opener.

Relegated Malvern now welcome Pinley to Spring Lane in Midlands Two West (South) on Saturday (3pm).

They led 39-3 at half-time at Shrewsbury with tries from Connor Giggle (2), number eight Jack Curtis, scrum-half Laurie Essinhigh and John Wills.

Full-back Dan Batty added the extras through the boot with Shrewsbury limited to three points.

The hosts were kept out after a series of scrums on the line before Malvern hit back with tries from Ieuan Mustow and Wills converted by Batty.

Shrewsbury managed a converted effort but Malvern extended their advantage with Essinhigh completing his hat-trick of tries and Mustow scoring again.

Props Mark Chivers and Eddie Edwards battled well against heavier opponents while Josh Herbert was the pick of a busy back row and Batty’s kicking impressed.