SINCE the beginning of the season one Midlands Two West fixture has stood out in Malvern's calendar as likely to be the key to possible promotion.

MALVERN 31PTS, LEAMINGTON 19 PTS

The game at Hinckley takes place tomorrow (Saturday), with both sides on identical playing records, Malvern having the advantage in terms of points difference as the two sides prepare to do battle for the play-off slot.

First however, there was the matter of getting past the hurdle of Leamington at Spring Lane, and Malvern set about the task with some relish. Having set out their stall early on, the Malvern forwards put in a strong driving maul to release the backs.

Richard Fleming used his power and speed to drive through the middle and, as he was caught, popped the ball to teenage dynamo Stewart Clarke, who had appeared at his shoulder for the 8th-minute killer punch. Steve Ott, taking over kicking duties for the day, put over the conversion.

Malvern looked well-drilled, the back row stifling any Leamington moves and, once early line-out problems had been addressed, dominated the Warwickshire side. On the quarter hour a wonderful display of interpassing involving Eastwood, Davies and Ruddock ended with Dave King scoring between the posts to give Ott another kick.

With tails up, the Spring Lane side moved the ball around with great fluency and, having gained ground into the away 22 metre area, drove the opposing pack over their goal line, some wizardry from Lancett clocking up the third try and Ott again converting.

After half an hour, the game looked over and Malvern dropped the pace a little, allowing Leamington some space. The visiting backs looked sharp, now that their midfield could give them some service and Malvern had to defend well.

After the interval, Malvern went on the attack immediately and Dave King showed his class, making a break then putting in a floating chip kick, nipping in between two defenders to score and leaving Ott with another simple two points.

Ten minutes into the half, Malvern had visibly relaxed and the tackling became sloppy, allowing the Leamington backs to come into the game. In a ten minute period they consistently moved the ball to danger man Murphy, who first ran 70 metres to score from a quick-tap penalty, then scored two classy tries to show why he is on the move to National League rugby next season.

Ott had put over a penalty to keep Malvern's noses in front before a cameo appearance by replacement scrum half George Blakeway, his combative tussle with his opposite number ending after only two minutes with a visit to the sin bin for both players.

Director of rugby David Robins wasn't totally satisfied with the day's performance.

He said: "We had a 30-minute purple patch to make the game safe, but we showed visible signs of having had a three week lay-off. One or two players looked off the pace in the second half and we just cannot afford to relax when in front, we should be continuing up to the final whistle.

"There were some fine contributions, Stewart Clarke was everywhere on his home league debut, Hynes did some good ball-carrying work and Lancett looked sharp. Steve Ott wasn't fazed by his kicking duties, given to him because Andy Longley isn't available next week."

Robins was philosophical about the crunch match at Hinckley and said: "They are without doubt the best side we have played this season, more so than league leaders Burton. They are also hard to beat at home, but our lads know exactly what is required of them if we are to go into an equally difficult play-off game, also probably away from home.

"As we know, they have tremendous support, so I'm appealing to all Malvern members and followers to make the trip to Hinckley to get behind the team. Should we beat Hinckley, then we will have another hard task in the visit of much-improved Stoke for the last league match of the season on April 23."