MALVERN RFC need to work on their defensive display if they stand a chance of beating second-placed Newport tomorrow (Saturday), according to the club’s director of rugby Dave Robins.

The Spring Lane side still prop up the rest in Midlands One after a sixth successive defeat at Kenilworth on Saturday but Robins was still buoyed by their performance.

First-team squad v Newport (home-ko 2.15pm-meet at Spring Lane at 12.45pm, number one dress code, maroon shorts and socks), from: D Batten, M Humphreys, J Ling, G Taylor, S Doolittle, R Hobbs, S Daws, P Rawle, J Gwynne, C Pimlow, R Henshaw, R Watkins (c), G Summers, T Beechy, C Hooper. Reps: T Drew, C Edwards, R Fleming.

Second XV v Walsall (home- ko 2.15pm-meet at Spring Lane at 12.45pm), players to be advised directly.

Third XV v Ledbury (away ko 2.15pm, meet at Spring Lane at 12.45pm), players to be advised directly.

Ryan Henshaw was the star man for the visitors, running in two tries. Gareth Taylor and Tom Beechy scored Malvern’s other two tries in their 46-24 reverse.

Now Newport travel to Malvern (ko 2.15pm) with the home side looking to make it lucky number seven and record their first league win of the term. Robins said: “We played some of our best rugby football to date this season and displayed a far more positive attitude in taking the game to the opposition.

“Their coach said we were the first side to score four tries at Kenilworth during his tenure.

“However, our defensive lapses again let us down, and although we were a match in terms of back division talent going forward, our cover let us down.

“We also made some poor decisions over kicking, sometimes you just need to find touch, rather than kicking it straight to the opposition.

“Our set scrum was in trouble all afternoon, mainly due to the referee’s inexperience in spotting their prop pulling down, although they were a well-drilled unit.

“With both teams wanting to play an open game the spectators certainly benefitted in seeing 70 points scored.

“However, we need to work on our defence for the visit of second-placed Newport tomorrow.”