MALVERN Rugby Club kick off the season proper on Saturday when they entertain Old Laurentians in the Powergen Cup preliminary round.

They have warmed up by winning the Droitwich 10s and beating Cheltenham convincingly 20-5 in an exciting display last week.

The 22-man squad includes new faces Sam Hardcastle, a scrum half, and second row Steve Ironside.

Both come to Malvern from University College, Worcester as part of the close ties forged by coach Andy Cushing.

Flanker Simon Reiter is also selected, the Kiwi flanker having impressed greatly pre-season.

Old Laurentians, pipped by Bromsgrove and Spalding in the league and play-off matches, field one of the strongest sides in Midlands Two, with a reputation for hard and fast back play.

"We don't underestimate them," said David Robins, Malvern's Director of Rugby. "When we played them a couple of seasons ago they gave us a tough time, especially on their own patch.

"We obviously look to a strong performance from our lads to take us through to the next round and another home tie.

"We have trained hard all summer, but will be missing four key players with injuries. However, I am confident that new skipper Vince Hill will do all he can to lead the side to victory."

Kick off is 3pm at Spring Lane.

Teams

First team v Old Laurentians (home) meet 1.30pm, kick-off 3pm (from) T. Allies, D. Beech, G. Blakeway, N. Burton, S. Cooper, J. Danielle, R. Fleming, M. Gaubert, S. Hardcastle, P. Hart, D. Hill, V. Hill, A. Hills, B. Hughes, S. Ironside, D. Irish, P. Jenkin, A. Logan, J. Martin, J. Owen, S. Reiter, G. Richards, R. Young.

Second team v Old Laurentians (home) meet 1.30pm, kick-off 3pm (from) M. Brannelly, C. Donking, G. Earr, G. Fraser, D. Green, A. Isaac, S. Lancetts, A. Longley, S. Lucas, A. McBurney, R. Milne, M. Moaby, P. Moorewood, M. Radley, A. Ridley, A. Ruddock, Replacement: G. Smith, A. Thomas, I. White, M. Williams.