MALVERN PRE-SEASON STARTS WITH A BANG
Jul
Players reporting for pre-season training at Spring Lane this week turned out in their droves as new signings were welcomed into the fold by the existing squad players. With all of last year’s side remaining, they have been joined by Nick Byron and Chris Griffiths from Bromsgrove and Worcester Wanderers respectively, as reported last week. They are joined by Andy Cannock, a 6ft 5in, 17 stone lock forward who has moved to the area and has played at the next level up with Newbury. As Director of Rugby Andy Longley says, “He 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, forwards player-coach Ben Gerry having plenty to work with. The home-grown midfield of Tom Longley, Adam Dixon and Richard Fleming should continue to grow in stature and Adam Billig’s back division should cause plenty of excitement again this term.”
Longley paid tribute to Liam Hughes, officially installed as Head Coach. “Liam’s preparation and attention to detail is second to none and he has developed a training regime which really puts the players through their paces.” With over 50 turning out for the first session, the enthusiasm shown by the players has encouraged the whole of the staff, especially as all levels were present, from the Academy trough to the first fifteen. Malvern’s links with Worcester University continue, with last year’s skipper Jamie Tsang and flanker Rory Gratwohl being joined with several other students who are keen to develop at Spring Lane.
“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. Whilst 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. To this end, Marc Gaubert has rejoined as player-manager of the Second XV, which will be very much a Development squad, mixing emerging talent coming through from the Academy with more experienced older heads. Our thirds will continue to be competitive also in their merit table league. We look forward to exciting times over the next 9 months at Malvern”
