MALVERN kick off the new rugby season with a practice game against the professionals of Reading, from the National League set-up this Sunday at Spring Lane.

The game kicking of at 3pm, will give an opportunity for the players to put their summer training into practice, utilising both seasoned campaigners and the new signings. Reading are coached by ex-Malvern player Andy Cushing, a lecturer at University College, Worcester, and led by Director of Rugby Alistair HcHarg, whose distinguished career saw him play for London Scottish, Scotland and the British Lions.

Having struggled to beat Malvern by the narrowest of margins at the end of the last season, despite keeping the junior side on the back foot for long periods, the Berkshire side know that Malvern will be a stern test. The Spring Lane club, meanwhile, look forward to the meeting with relish. David Robins, Director of Rugby, says "With an even more intense league campaign ahead of us, it is important that we are at our sharpest for the first match against Newport on September 2. Playing a side such as Reading will stretch our players to the limit and help bring them to full match fitness".

Competition will be fierce in many positions within the first team squad, especially in the forwards. The arrival of Duncan Short, from Camp Hill, has strengthened the pool of lock forwards, with the inspirational seasoned campaigner Vince Hill declaring himself ready for another season. Jon Owen is fast becoming the club's most dedicated trainer and he, Chris Smith and the emerging Matt Williams are all in the frame. Robins isn't worried about the number of players competing for places. "With twenty two league matches, there are bound to be injuries and non-availabilities. All our first and second XV players know that they are playing for places in the senior squad. We need the cover, not just in the forwards".

The imminent arrival of Danish international winger Bo Kristopheson in September also gives more bite to the incisive Malvern back division, whilst the situation in the front row looks to be improving. Having lost promising prop Mike Boardman due to a job move, the news that veteran Kim Withnall has successfully come through a neck operation has buoyed the pack". With Steve Cooper's and Tim Allies' experience, and the imminent conversion of erstwhile flanker Steve Taylor to the Front Row Club, we are looking positive in the tight positions. Darren Handy has recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him sidelined for most of last season, so competition at hooker between him and Dave Irish will be fierce. With Mark Gaubert, Paul Hart and Alex Thomas, plus the experience of Andy Ridley and the dedicated Brian Phillpotts in the back row, I am confident of some great performances from the pack. George Blakeway is as hungry as ever at scrum half, and Simon Phillips and Paul Jenkins give great stand-off options. Gareth Richards, Mark Humphreys bring experience and tenacity in the centre with the speed merchants Dave Beech, Rob Young and Ben Hughes, plus Kristophesen to add the killer touches. To cap it all, new captain Andy Longley brings a depth of vision and grace to the full back position once more", said Robins.

Malvern play London Division two side Hampstead at home on Saturday August 26, then meet the fearsome forward-dominated Newport in the league opener a week later.

Malvern's squad for Sunday. 1st XV v Reading (Home). Meet at 1.30pm. T Allies, D Irish, S Cooper, D Short, C Smith, P Hart, A Thomas, M Gaubert, D Sparrey, S Phillips, B Hughes, H Humphries, G Richards, D Beech, A Longley. Rep's: K Withnell, V Hill, J Callow, D Hill, R Young, M Williams. Also to attend: J Owen, D Carmichael, D Handy, M Etty, N Bruton, S Taylor, M Johnson, M Moaby.