AFTER narrowly failing to pip Hereford at the death three weeks ago in Midlands One, Malvern Rugby Club travel to Wyeside in the Intermediate Cup looking for revenge.

Malvern lost out to their rivals at Spring Lane 20-19 despite a storming comeback and, on Saturday, in the second round of the cup they bid to finish off the job.

"Having hauled ourselves back from a 17 point deficit in a match where we were under strength and not as canny as we should have been, the lads have improved tremendously and are now up to pace with Midlands One rugby," said Malvern's director of rugby David Robins.

"We put in a superbly controlled performance to beat Luctonians soundly last Saturday and the mood in the squad is upbeat."

Malvern rest double try scorer Rob Young who is on the bench to allow ex-Hereford veteran Dave Beech another run out against his old club.

Former Northampton and Worcester back row specialist Dave Merlin makes his competitive debut at flanker following the termination of his physio duties at Sixways.

Newboy David Viles comes in at number eight. A student at university in Worcester, Viles has been in the Coventry development squad and has also played at under 21 level at Sixways and had a taste of the same at Newport.

Wily prop Kim Withnall gives James Daniel a breather on the bench, and former Dudley-Kingswinford centre Andrew Ruddock joins Ridley, Daniel and Young as a replacement.

"Having played catch-up rugby at home to Hereford, we know that they are strong going forward but have weaknesses under pressure," added Robins.

"Their physical game can become indisciplined when they are forced backwards, as we saw at Spring Lane. We must try to take the initiative from the off, as we did against Luctonians to stifle their danger men."

Robins' only worry is scrum half George Blakeway, nursing a wound which turned septic after he received a stamp in the last game between the two clubs.

"The antibiotics seem to be working, but we won't risk George if he doesn't feel 100 per cent. Dan Sparrey, now back to full match fitness, is on stand-by if required."

Malvern are expecting good travelling support for the game at Wyeside (3pm).

Meanwhile, the other eye-catching cup fixture sees Kidderminster travel to Ludlow for a potentially bruising local derby. Luctonians face a tricky test at Shrewsbury while Pershore travel to Old Laurentians.