MALVERN Rugby Club took time to get into full stride against basement club Barkers Butts on Saturday but by the end scored enough points to return them to the top of the Midlands Two West table on points difference.

Director of rugby David Robins said: "We didn't get going at all for the first quarter. Sometimes we have to realise that lower placed sides are going to be difficult to play against and Barkers Butts were no exception. They scrapped and competed for everything and we were below par, especially up front.

"We didn't carry the ball with any impact and made some basic errors, allowing turnovers and conceding penalties. However, we still ground out a win and we recognise that you can't turn in champagne performances every week.

"The win puts us back on top of the league on point's difference and we now have to focus on an improving Burton and an always difficult Solihull side for our next two league fixtures.

"We have a lot of potential in the side, as the introduction of new youngsters has shown over the last few weeks, and we also look forward to the return of some of our impact players from injury."

Tomorrow (Saturday), Malvern visit South Wales side Monmouth (2.30) for a friendly, the first time the teams have met for a considerable time.

Monmouth play in the Welsh National League Division Four East are are presently mid-table having won three and lost three games.

Robins said: "With two key league games coming up it is essential we keep ticking over. We are taking this opportunity to look at different players and will be playing players in different positions with a view of looking towards the future."