MIDLANDS Two West leaders Malvern travel to National league Three North Preston Grasshoppers tomorrow (Saturday) on the back of their fifth league win of the season.

The Spring Lane side meet Preston in the opening round of the EDF Energy National Trophy, a competition they gained entry to by reaching the final of the North Midlands Cup at the end of last season.

Grasshoppers won their league game at Caldy 20-16 last Saturday to make it five league wins out of six and moved to second spot in their table, two levels above Malvern.

Malvern's director of rugby Dave Robins is looking forward to the challenge and was pleased at the way his side had gone about their last league game against Cheltenham North on Saturday that produced a 36-16 victory.

The Gloucestershire side were a bit of an unknown quantity having joined the league this season and Robins pointed out that the forwards had again set up the platform for victory.

Robins said: "The pack was dominant throughout against a typically Gloucester style opposition. We were faced with some poor decision making by the referee, who missed the opportunity to award us several penalties, but the red card redressed the balance eventually. James Hynes and Gareth Taylor were immense and the front five did a real job upfront, whilst the backs are improving game by game and showing a positive attitude.

"Richard Fleming is using his strength to break the line and the half backs are playing well together. Squad training has been excellent, all three sides well represented and the benefits are evident through the win count across the board.

"We now look forward to our cup adventure next week when we travel north to take on the might of Preston Grasshoppers, who provided the breeding ground for players like Wade Dooley and Will Greenwood.

"We obviously go as underdogs but can promise that we look forward to giving a good account of ourselves and learn from the experience. We aren't just going to make up the numbers."

Spectators are welcome to travel on the coach to Preston (leaves Spring Lane 12.15pm); otherwise directions to the ground on Grasshoppers website.