MALVERN director of rugby David Irish is confident his side will make their presence felt in this season’s Midlands Two West (South), writes Aaron Wise.
The Spring Lane outfit kick off their 2016/17 season with a trip to Warwickshire to play Nuneaton Old Edwardians on Saturday (3pm), before they play their opening home game against Pinley on September 17.
Despite a frustrating lack of pre-season games and being handed a walkover in the North Midlands Shield, which was due to be played last Saturday against Old Saltleians in Birmingham, Irish is expecting his squad to build on their sixth-place finish last campaign.
“We’re very excited about the new season. We feel we’re now an established side in this division, so we’re looking to kick on and press hard for a higher league finish this season,” said Irish.
“A slow start cost us dearly last campaign and we’ll be looking to remedy that this year. The lack of game-time, with the recent blow of Old Saltleians withdrawing from the North Midlands Shield game, will not hamper the team.
“There have been few personnel changes since last season, so the players all know each other and their style of play very well. The side has a settled look about it.
“Another bonus is that the team has been gifted with several players from last year’s all-conquering Colts, who are now available for adult rugby. Several of the new first-team youngsters played to great effect in the development and third teams towards the end of last season.”
Irish will again be assisted by Billy McGinty, a former GB and Wigan Warriors rugby league player, who has experience in union coaching with Worcester Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby.
“McGinty’s pedigree is without compare in club circles,” said Irish. “His training routines are tough, but crucially enjoyable, which adds to the great feeling of solidarity amongst players of all teams at Spring Lane.”