COACH Rudy Smith is banking on Malvern Rugby Club's players bouncing back from the crushing disappointment of missing out on promotion last season as they lock horns with old rivals Selly Oak.

The Spring Lane side were crowned champions of Midlands Two last season but were denied promotion because of an RFU league shake-up.

However, Smith believes the side have enough character to go straight back to the top and win their rightful place in Midlands One.

He said: "The players were obviously devastated last season when they were denied promotion but they want to make sure they do the same this time and actually get up.

"Our goal has always been to get into Midlands One and nothing will change our focus. It was a big disappointment to everyone involved but hopefully we can turn it into a positive thing."

Selly Oak and Malvern are old rivals from Midlands West One and shared countless battles down the years. Smith is expecting another close contest on Saturday.

He added: "It has always been nip and tuck between the two sides. We usually do well at their place and they tend to come to Spring Lane and win. Hopefully the pattern will continue on Saturday."

Malvern opened their league programme with a convincing 36-5 win over Newport and should be unchanged.

* Captain Andy Hubbold believes Stourport could be on the verge of another champagne season after their fine start.

The Walshes Meadow side begin their North Midlands League campaign on Saturday at home to Old Griffs with Hubbold in confident mood.

His side beat rivals Bishops Castle 24-15 on Saturday to take their place in the second round of the Tetley Bitter Vase and now aim to start their league programme with a bang.

Hubbold said: "The side is in very confident mood on the back of last year's promotion. We also enjoyed a fine win over Bishops Castle on Saturday and that performance will be the benchmark this season for us.

"I think Bishops Castle will be one of the best teams we play this season so we were delighted with the victory."

Hubbold said promotion to Division One was a major achievement for the club but it was also a trip into the unknown.

He added: "We don't know that much about the teams so it will be a real test this season.

"What we want to do though is consolidate our position and keep on developing the club in the right direction."