MALVERN go into tomorrow's crunch clash at Hinckley knowing that victory would be a big step towards promotion.

The Spring Lane side sit second in Midlands Two (West) and travel to the third-placed side level on points with the Leicester outfit.

And Malvern's director of rugby David Robins is philosophical about the clash.

"They are without doubt the best side we have played this season, more so than league leaders Burton," he said.

"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 Stoke for the last match of the season."

Meanwhile, Droitwich's director of rugby Julian Bailey admits there is a lot of work to be done after they were finally relegated from Midlands Three West (South) on Saturday.

The weekend defeat -- the bottom side's 18th of the season -- confirmed that Droitwich would be back in Midlands Four West (South) next season.

Bailey though has already drawn up a lengthy to do list to re-invigorate the side in time for the 2005/2006 campaign.

He said: "There is an awful lot to do over the summer.

"It's more than one specific area to work on to make sure we're ready for next season."

Fixtures

Midlands One: Derby v Luctonians, Whitchurch v Bromsgrove.

Midlands Two (West): Hinckley v Malvern.

Midlands Three West (North): Kidderminster Carolians v Wednesbury.

Midlands Three West (South): Droitwich v Shipston, Hereford v Old Yardleians, Old Leamingtonians v Ledbury, Pershore v Earlsdon.

Midlands Four West (South): Marconi Coventry v Evesham, Solihull v Worcester Wanderers.

North Midlands (South) Two: Bromyard v Stourport, Greyhound v Chaddesley Corbett.