MALVERN RFC face a difficult opening game when they play Longton in the Powergen Cup tomorrow (Saturday) at Spring Lane (kick off 3pm).

The Potteries side have just returned to the regional leagues after a year in National Three North and will be looking to start their campaign off with an good result.

Malvern can look forward to a hard match to prepare them for another season in Midlands Two West, a campaign that starts next Saturday (September 4) away to Leamington.

According to Malvern director of rugby David Robins, that is where the season's focus lies - promotion back to Midlands One is the club's prime objective.

Robins said: "We went through a rebuilding season last year and still managed a creditable third place. With a bit more firepower up front we could have mounted a more serious challenge. This year we have added to the squad and aim to be in the hunt from the start."

One worry is the growing pre-season injury list, which many clubs suffer as bodies are put through the pain barrier to get back to full fitness. In Malvern's case, however, it seems to be caused more by competitiveness.

"The lads have kept up high fitness levels during the summer," said Robins. "They are keen to get back into the fray and over the last couple of weeks have suffered several injuries in combative training sessions. Hooker Andy Logan has a fractured wrist, Mark Eastwood has a torn medial, and John Martin suffered ankle damage whilst Tom Davies popped a rib."

However, there are lots of plusses, with Rob Young back from a year in the USA, where he broke all sorts of scoring records playing for Austin. New centres Steve Ott and Tom Bell strengthen the back division whilst new recruit Jim Hynes gives an added enormous presence in the back row

Returning from injury, prop Shaun Lancett looks sharp, as do flankers Olly Banwell and Alex Thomas. John Drage has lost weight and looks a serious contender at lock, whilst the club has two fine hookers in Dave Irish and Alex Wenden to compensate for the loss of Logan.

Owain Wynne, who impressed at wing forward last term, returns from working at a Romanian orphanage for the summer.

Robins said: "With Vince Hill skippering a second XV mixing experience with youth, we look to have one of our strongest squads for many years and we look forward to the season with anticipation.

"Malvern welcomes all supporters, old and new."