DIRECTOR of rugby Andy Longley insists it is a blessing in disguise his under-strength Malvern side’s cup clash tomorrow has been called off.

The Spring Lane side were due to entertain Whitchurch in the quarter-finals of the North Midlands Cup.

However, due to holiday unavailability, the Shropshire club were unable to field a side. This has given Malvern a bye into the semi-finals, which will see them travel to Newport, pencilled in for April 30.

But Longley says his side have been forced to field a number of younger players over recent games due to the amount of injuries his squad has suffered this season.

He says this was highlighted with Malvern’s 19-10 defeat at second-from-bottom Burton.

Following the Newport tie, eighth-placed Malvern wrap up their league campaign with a derby trip to bottom-placed Hereford.

Longley said: “The game being called off is a blessing in disguise, as we have a few players out.

“We were very disappointed on Saturday, we had a very young side out. It was just one of those days really.

“The season has been so long now. But we have the North Midlands Cup semi-final to look forward to. It’s always a good day at Newport.

“A few home truths were said after Saturday’s game.

“It’s important that we learn from that defeat.

“We have been very good at home, but we’ve really slipped up in the last five games away from home. We’ve got to address that for next season.”

Richard Fleming, Tom Longley, Dominic Murphy and Matt Williams will battle it out for the player-of-the-year prize at Malvern’s awards and dinner/dance at the club on Monday, May 13 (7pm start).

For ticket information, call the club on (01684) 573728.

Jonathan Martin has been appointed as Malvern’s commercial consultant.