BROMSGROVE RFC First XV and Malvern will lock horns at Finstall Park this Saturday for the first time since their epic encounter on the final day of last season.

The two sides were both relegated from Midlands One last season despite Bromsgrove's amazing 25-24 victory with Matt Birch's last gasp penalty.

Bromsgrove finished fifth bottom, and seemingly safe, with Malvern one place below, both on 18 points. But a league restructure took Town down along with their rivals.

And coach Dean Ball, a player on that occasion, has left his players in no doubt as to the importance of this Saturday's Midlands Two (West) match.

He said: "It's a local derby, we have had quite a few crucial games with them over the past five years and this will be another one. Obviously we had a big game against them last season and pipped them by a point.

"I am sure everyone at the club realises the importance of this weekend. We will be going all guns out."

There was little to separate the sides last season and the situation is just as tight at the moment. Bromsgrove are second with Malvern third and both sides have 12 points after six wins from seven games. Derby lead the league with 14 points.

And that, according to Ball, makes Saturday's clash all the more vital.

"Whoever wins on Saturday will be the contenders along with Derby as long as they don't slip up between now and when we play them," he added.