MALVERN RFC, winners of the North Midlands Cup two years ago, face present holders Aston Old Edwardians in this year's final on Sunday (May 9).

The match will be played at Dudley-Kingswinford RFC and matches two sides with little between them on paper.

Each won their home Midlands Two West fixtures, the two sides finished on the same number of league points and Malvern took pride of place due to a narrow advantage in points difference.

The stage is set for a mammoth tussle between two teams who both like to run the ball from deep and Malvern's director of rugby David Robins is under no illusions about the task his side faces.

Robins said: "Aston are in their third final in a row, they are the incumbents and won't give up the cup without a struggle. They are a well-drilled unit with a back three who run from deep to link up with a mobile pack. We will have to be on our mettle to take them on the day, and I believe that our lads are prepared to do this both physically and mentally.

"We should be back to full strength as Dave King's knee has responded well to treatment and Jamie Anderson has had three weeks to get over his shoulder injury. Mark Eastwood plays for North Midlands against Leicestershire tomorrow (Saturday) but is determined to turn out on Sunday as well.

"Our most difficult choices are going to be the bench players. So many have put in great efforts during the season, but with a maximum of six replacements, some are bound to be disappointed. However, with the great spirit which pervades the squad, those on the sidelines will still be giving their team-mates every encouragement."

The final is the second of two games on Sunday, the junior Shield match taking place at 2pm, with Malvern's match kicking off at 4pm.

There will be a supporters' coach as well as the team bus, and the Malvern players are hoping for a large and vocal following to match the sort of support the team had 10 years ago on the road to Twickenham.