MALVERN Rugby Club were not surprised when they were knocked out of the RFU Intermediate Cup 5-56 on Saturday by Midlands One side Rugby Lions.

After the defeat, having been almost inevitable, Malvern's director of rugby David Robins was not too concerned about the points tally.

Robins said: "We again showed a lot of spirit against a well-drilled side which is destined for bigger things. My major worry is, that having already been badly hit by injuries, we have lost two extremely important squad members in Chris Smith and Alex Thomas.

"We are now looking a bit threadbare until such time as our walking wounded are fit again. We go into the next phase of the league against teams in the lower half of the table and it is imperative that we start picking up some points, starting at Newbold tomorrow (Saturday).

"On the plus side, we saw an encouraging start from new boys Martin and Pereira, Brian Shepherd also impressed and Gareth Taylor looked sharp, whilst Roberts and Burns again looked threatening.

"We have to adopt a positive mentality and I have no doubt about the team spirit in the side."