IT is ten years since a then lowly Malvern side from the reaches of North Midlands Two went on that long trek which ended at Twickenham and the lifting of the Pilkington Shield by skipper Andy Ridley.

More than 3,500 Malvernians made the trip that day to see them take the trophy against Old Hamptonians and they will have the opportunity to see the victorious team in action once more.

Perhaps some of the day's heroes are a little thicker round the middle, a little greyer at the temples, but they will be taking the field again at 3pm on Saturday, May 8, at Spring Lane.

Whilst some of the side are still playing for Malvern first XV, having journeyed upwards through five leagues - Gareth Richards, Steve Cooper, Andy Ridley, Darren Handy and Adie MacBurney all having turned out this season, others have long since hung up their boots, but the bond between them is so strong that the old warriors are prepared to do battle again. This time the opposition will be more local, a Golden Oldies Select XV from the Two Counties, most of similar vintage to the Malvern.

Invitations have been sent to players from Luctonians, Upton, Bromyard, Ledbury and other clubs in the region, the aim being to field a squad of around 25 players, so they can each take turns to have a breather.

In addition to the action on the rugby field, their will be plenty for all the family, with bouncy castles, competitions, a pig roast and barbeque, with live music later in the day, whilst of course refreshments and soft drinks will be readily available throughout the day.

A lucky programme raffle will be held with a donation from the proceeds going to the County Air Ambulance - the programme itself will be a collector's item, including reports on all the games leading to the Twickenham final.

Still on the nostalgia theme, there will be a display of photographs taken during the run and constant video replays of the final itself.

The players would love to see as many people as possible on the day, and hope that many will take out their Twickenham memorabilia from the attic to wear and re-create the fun of a decade ago.