THE might of Premiership Worcester may cast a huge shadow over the area's rugby map but, despite the pull of glamour at Sixways, neighbouring clubs are flourishing.

Droitwich and Stourport are on the verge of taking the North Midlands One and Two crowns respectively, Kidderminster Carolians are champions of Midlands West Two -- their second title in three seasons -- while Malvern are now the undisputed kings of junior rugby in Worcestershire.

Their victory at Bromsgrove on Saturday not only gave them a league and cup double over their rivals but recorded their third title in five seasons -- the other two were both near misses.

Malvern's latest run of success also includes victory at Twickenham in the 1994 Pilkington Shield Final.

Worcester rose through such minor ranks to become one of the most fashionable clubs in the land but how far can Malvern go?

Director of rugby Mike Robins has been with the club for five seasons and believes they may now have reached their peak.

"We do have to consider where we go from here as we're a truly amateur club with low finances and we don't pay any of our players," he said.

"We're now approaching a league status where clubs are better off financially so we will have to establish ourselves in this new Midlands Two and consolidate our position.

"When I came here five years ago we sat down with the coaches and the chairman and targeted Midlands One in five years.

"Now, you could say that we have reached that target," Robins added.

But that does not mean the club is without ambition or plans to progress on and off the field.

All of the current playing squad have committed themselves for another season and work starts on a new clubhouse in June.

Some £50,000 has also been spent on drainage and a new first team pitch which will be ready for next season.

Robins feels they may need up to six quality recruits to continue their upward march yet feels they are already on a sound footing.

"It's a nice feeling to be where we are and again we've had super support from the team," he added.

"There has been super help from the coaches and with a new set-up we should have a very solid base.

"And although we feel we have reached our level if we did win the league then of course we would go up and take our chance."

Thursday, March 16, 2000.