MALVERN RFC director of rugby Dave Robins is looking for four more Midlands One points from the three games before the end of the year to consolidate the team's effort to maintain their divisional status.

Promoted to Midlands One this season Malvern made an indifferent start that only saw one win, against Luctonians at home, out of the first six league matches, but since then a revived Malvern have won their last four fixtures, a friendly against Old Patesians, league games against Camp Hill and Kenilworth, and last Sunday's North Midlands Cup tie at Selly Oak.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Malvern visit Longton (2.30pm) and they are expecting a tough game with the home side two places above Malvern in the table with two extra wins under their belts.

Robins said: "Longton were promoted the season before us and that year we were the only team to beat them. It will be a tough game that we expect to be won or lost in the forwards."

Malvern have recalled prop Steve Cooper to the front row and Jon Owen, who was unavailable Sunday, returns in the second row.

Robins continued: "Garner is back in at open side flanker and Young takes up his place on the wing, although Ollie Banwell and Ben Hughes both played very well on Sunday, and captain Andy Longley is back to lead the side at full back.

"All in all it will be a forwards battle, the pitch is small with a slope and the soft ground will not be ideal for an open game."

The following week Malvern travel again, this time to Banbury and then entertain Barkers Butts on December 22, two teams that are presently below them in the table.

Robins said: "We are looking for four points as a minimum but six points would be a nice Christmas present and move us well away from the bottom."