SURPASSING last season’s ninth-placed finish is Malvern’s target in National Three Midlands this year, according to director of rugby Andy Longley.

To achieve that aim, the Spring Lane club has already recruited three new signings ahead of the big kick-off in September.

With all of last season’s squad remaining, they have been joined by Nick Byron and Chris Griffiths from Bromsgrove and Worcester Wanderers respectively.

Lock forward Andy Cannock has also been recruited from Newbury.

More than 50 players turned out for the club’s opening pre-season training session ahead of their first National Three Midlands clash, a trip to Manchester on Saturday, September 3.

Malvern get their pre-season friendly programme under way at Bromsgrove on Saturday, August 20.

Liam Hughes has been installed as head coach of the first team.

Longley has been buoyed by his pre-season squad restructuring so far, leading him to believe his squad can beat their 64-point tally from the previous campaign.

He said: “This is our fourth season at this level and, after consolidating our position last year, we look to a higher finish in what will be a very tough and exciting league to be in.

“While we don’t have the buying power of some of the clubs at our level who have large backers, we look to develop and bring through talent.

“We look forward to exciting times over the next nine months.

“Andy Cannock will add some grunt in the engine room and height in the line-out.

“With Byron’s renowned hooking skills and Griffiths adding to the back row options, the pack looks to be in good shape.”

Malvern RFC fixtures 2011-12: Saturday, September 3: Manchester (away); 10: Mansfield (home); 17: Old Northamptonians (a); 24: Longton (h); October 1: Scunthorpe (a); 8: South Leicester (a); 15: Newport (Salop) (h); 22: Rugby Lions (a); 29: Syston (h); November 12: Dudley Kingswinford (a); 19: Broadstreet (h); December 3: Hinckley (a); 10: Hereford (h); 17: Mansfield (a); January 7: Old Northamptonians (h); 14: Longton (a); 21: Scunthorpe (h); 28: South Leicester (h); February 4: Newport (Salop) (a); 18: Rugby Lions (h); March 3: Syston (a); 10: Dudley Kingswinford (h); 24: Broadstreet (a); 31: Hinckley (h); April 14: Hereford (a); 21: Manchester (h).