MALVERN Rugby Club maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Midlands two west table with a hard-fought victory at Cheltenham North by 39-23.

Director of rugby David Robins was very satisfied with the outcome of the game and said: "We knew that North were going to be a tough prospect on their own turf, especially as we had so many changes. We made the mistake of trying to take on a bigger pack up front instead of running the ball at them from the outset.

"When we reverted to our game plan in the second half our superior fitness opened up holes in their defence. Ryan Henshaw's power and pace was rewarded with a hat-trick and we had the bonus of seeing prop Matt Newman run in a score - we wish him well as he goes off to join Auckland Blues Development Squad for the next seven months and look forward to welcoming him back at Christmas.

"As we start to get some of our injured players back we go into the last six games knowing that every side will raise their game, there will be no easy fixtures. We must remain focused on our game plan, we showed today what can happen if we ignore it by making it hard for ourselves.

"However, we have a lot of talent in the squad and a healthy competition for places as we look forward to Whitchurch on Saturday."

MRFC line-ups

Teams for tomorrow (Saturday).

1st XV v Whitchurch (home). Meet Spring Lane 12.45pm. Number One dress, maroon shorts and socks.

M Richardson, L Greenwood, S Lancett, C Smith, G Taylor, C Edwards, S Clarke, R Hobbs, E Anderson, A Dixon, R Henshaw, E Lang, R Watkins (capt), T Streather, C. Hooper. Reps: R Fleming, M Chivers, S Cooper.

2nd XV Pool match TBA.

S Campbell, L Moloney, T Seymour, A Ruddock, A Higgs, A Hill, N Clarke, Ollie, J Gwynne, D Sparrey, N Hinchliffe, W Clee, S Smith, C Perkins, C Williams. Reps: O Banwell, J Wraight, G Fraser.

3rd XV v Luctonians (Home) Meet 1pm. Team to be advised.