MALVERN RFC's attempt to avoid relegation from Midlands Two West took a step in the right direction on Saturday with two good home points.

Malvern faced third-placed Newport at Spring Lane but upset their visitors with a committed display to win the game 26-19.

Director of rugby David Robins was full of praise for his side's superb performance.

"To put in such a massive display against a side riding high in the table just reinforces the commitment in the squad. With White and Wilkinson again dominating the midfield we were able to spread the ball and keep the pressure on. Meanwhile the forwards began to wear them down slowly, after a patchy first 20 minutes.

"Our pack countered their mauling game to a great extent and our back row was in their faces so much that they wasted possession or gave penalties away. If Ping Han had been able to make an extra yard for a try they would have been buried, but to give them credit they showed why Newport has been at the top all season with a spirited fight back.

"We now face the difficult away game at Kenilworth in a fortnight with ever-increasing confidence, having a string of five home wins under our belts. If the spirit around the club continues to grow as it has since Christmas, we will surely keep climbing away from the relegation area."