MALVERN Rugby Club face their stiffest challenge of the campaign tomorrow at unbeaten leaders Old Laurentians in Midlands Two West (South) (3pm).

Dave Irish’s side were pipped 12-10 when the teams fought out a tight league contest at Spring Lane on December 13.

Malvern are fourth in the table, six points better off than fifth-placed Pinley, with just two league matches left.

Their confidence should be high after scoring seven tries in an impressive 43-17 home success over Old Coventrians last weekend.

Flanker Rory Jones and skipper Luke Milton both notched a brace of tries in the victory, which was marred by the early loss of Jordan Nwachukwu with a torn hamstring.

Richard Fleming, Ben King and James Southall also crossed the whitewash for Irish’s men in their 14th league win from 20 outings.

Irish said: “We knew the conditions were ideal for our brand of rugby last weekend and the lads responded with one of the best performances of the season.

“They ran the ball with confidence, from the props to the full-back, and showed the benefits all the hard training throughout the season has given them.

“We are now visiting unbeaten league leaders Old Laurentians in Rugby, looking for a win after being denied at home.”

Old Laurentians are vying for the title with Newbold-on-Avon and both teams are level on 91 points with the latter club having suffered just one league loss.

Malvern were unlucky not to take the points against Old Laurentians at Spring Lane in controversial circumstances three months ago.

They had a try ruled out and there was also a contentious refereeing decision at the end of the encounter.

Irish said: “Every game has controversial decisions but we have to accept them.

“Our job is to go out on the field and do our best, just as the opposition and the referees do.

“Last Saturday’s victory was an example of that. We were fortunate to have a side who hit top form together.

“There were a lot of happy faces in the clubhouse and that always makes my job very satisfying.”

Meanwhile, Malvern will be holding a sponsors’ day at their final league match of the season against Old Leamingtonians at Spring Lane on Saturday, April 11.

A buffet lunch for invited guests, who have contributed to the club at senior and junior level, takes place at 1pm followed by the match at 3pm.