LAST year's beaten finalists Malvern RFC start their North Midlands Cup campaign tomorrow (Saturday) with the visit of Newport to Spring Lane (3.00).

Following last Saturday's 10-10 league draw at Aston Old Edwardians, Malvern director of rugby David Robins agreed that his side had been below par.

"Against the best opposition this season to date, I felt that both our scrimmaging and line out play were way below our previous performances. We didn't give a good platform to play off, whilst we were also guilty of taking the wrong options on several occasions. Having said that, we came away with a point at the home of a side likely to be in contention for promotion this season.

"We now have Newport visiting us in the cup. They are apparently a revitalised side, with an injection of Fijians and they lead their division. We expect a tough contest."