MALVERN Rugby Club sent out a warning to Midland Division One rivals with a convincing 36-5 victory over Newport on Saturday.

Last season's Midland Division Two champions began in fine style with a free-flowing display to which visitors Newport had no answer.

The Shropshire side arrived at Spring Lane with their usual game plan of trying to unsettle the Malvern defence. However, the home defence stood firm with some ferocious tackling from the back row and midfield.

Simon Phillips put the home side in front on 19 minutes with a well-worked try before Andy Longley increased their lead with another touch down, which he then converted.

Newport opened their account in the 26th minute but the Malvern hit back three minutes before half-time with a stunning try from Mark Gaubert who stormed 30 metres to the line.

After the break, the champions turned on the style, with Mark Humpreys bagging another five points before Longley added the conversion. It was Longley again who put the result beyond doubt soon after with a fine five points.

Alex Thomas finished off the try scoring with a try which Longley converted for his third of the match.