WORCESTER RFC Chairman Cecil Duckworth gave a great boost to local junior rugby on Sunday whilst speaking at the opening of Malvern RFC's new clubhouse.

He had been highly impressed with the fundraising efforts put in by the Malvern membership to build the impressive new facility after rejection of their lottery bid. Having heard that the club need to raise a further £20,000 to complete the project, turning the old building into a properly fitted changing and shower block with fitness and physiotherapy rooms, Mr Duckworth announced that he was prepared to put up half the cost himself. The members and guests heard him stipulate that the incentive was for the club to raise the other £10,000 themselves.

He said that, whilst Worcester strove to obtain Premiership status, he was aware that they should be forging links with the junior clubs in the area with serious aspirations.

Malvern's efforts in elevating themselves to become the top amateur side in the county, plus the achievement of attaining the new clubhouse had been impressive, especially with the benefits the club was forging with the local community.

David Robins, Malvern Director of Rugby, was delighted with the news. "Mr Duckworth has proved his commitment to senior rugby at Worcester, directing their drive for Premiership status. It is heartening to hear of his interest in the junior clubs in Worcester's hinterland, which can only be good for the game in the county generally.

"The generous incentive he has given us today will spur members on to raising the final amount of money required to make Spring Lane the best junior rugby venue in the area."