MALVERN RFC "A" entertain Ledbury this Saturday at Spring Lane as they continue their build-up to the North Midlands Cup final on Sunday, May 12.

Whilst many players are rested, it gives Malvern the opportunity to bring in players who have been on the fringes of the first XV.

Malvern director of rugby, David Robins, said: "Bearing in mind that we can play six replacements in the final, we know that competition will be fierce and we have decided to have another look at some of the lads who have been there or thereabouts this year.

"Teenager Alistair Hills comes in on the wing, Steve Fahey and Nick Bruton, two long-serving club members, come in at full-back and centre, whilst we have a youthful half back pairing of Ian White and Richard Fleming. Steve Fahey is captain in the absence of Andy Longley, whilst the bench features New Zealander Sean Reiter, a sports assistant at Malvern College, plus several players returning from injury.

"Ledbury have had a couple of great seasons and we are delighted that they are bringing their senior side."

Robins admitted that the competition for cup final places is so intense that there was bound to be selection headaches involved.

He continued: "Out of 26 or so players in with a chance, we can only pick 21, so there are bound to be a few disappointments, but whatever the final team, all of the squad will be travelling.

"Aston OE's have had a resurgence since we put over 80 points past them a few years ago, and are in the play-off place for promotion to Midlands Two. They have nothing to lose, but our players are equally desperate to ensure that we win our first ever North Midlands Cup final."