Malvern up for the fight (From Malvern Gazette)

Malvern up for the fight

11:17am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Sport

OPTIMISM remains high in the Malvern camp that the first XV can rally to secure their National League Three South West survival, according to captain Matt Williams.

The Spring Lane side are still hunting for a new director of rugby to replace Liam Hughes, who stepped down earlier this season, but Williams is confident his players are up for the fight ahead.

While the club remain on a sound financial footing, it was agreed at Wednesday night’s open meeting to form a commercial committee to help drum up the extra revenue required to operate at their level.

Williams said at the meeting: “All players, irrespective of the results, are proud to pull on the Malvern shirt and keen to do their utmost to succeed in every game.

“We are currently competing in a league that stretches from Devon to south-west London and are often leaving home at 9am on a Saturday morning and not getting back before 9pm, which requires a massive commitment from the players.

“The horrific run of injuries has not helped with several senior club members being drafted in to fill key positions.

“Despite all this, the players are keen to continue to play at this level and intend to continue to fight for the rest of the season to maintain this status.”

Malvern have no game tomorrow but then host Amersham and Chiltern and visit relegation rivals Avonmouth Old Boys over the next two Saturdays.

Head coach Nick Tisdale said: “Performances are much improved and we are very positive over keeping our league status.

“The injury list should make for much better reading when selection for the Amersham and Avonmouth games comes around.”

During the meeting, treasurer John Taverner reported the club were financially sound but admitted the costs of running at the current level were high, while the extra travelling after their division switch only exacerbated the problem.

He asked members to support Malvern by raising income, whether as individuals or by seeking sponsorship from businesses.

Taverner added they were determined to see out the current difficulties and continue providing sport for six-year-olds up to the senior level.