MALVERN Rugby Club set up a promotion showdown with Hinckley after defeating Leamington 31-19.

Director of rugby David Robins now takes his second-placed side to Hinckley, in third, this Saturday with a play-off place on the line.

Malvern's first try came when Richard Fleming used his power and speed to drive through the middle, before popping the ball to teenage dynamo Stewart Clarke for the eighth minute killer punch. Steve Ott, taking over kicking duties for the day, put over the conversion.

On the quarter-hour, a wonderful display of inter-passing involving Mark Eastwood, Julien Davies and Aiden Ruddock ended with Dave King scoring between the posts to give Ott another easy two points.

The Spring Lane side moved the ball around with great fluency and, having gained ground in the visitors' 22-metre area, drove the opposing pack over their goal-line. Some wizardry from Steve Lancett clocked up the third try and Ott again converted.

The game looked over after half-an-hour and Malvern dropped the pace a little, allowing Leamington some space. The visiting backs looked sharp and Malvern had to defend well to keep them at bay.

Malvern went on the attack immediately after the break. King showed his class to put in a floating chip kick and nipped in between two defenders to score, leaving Ott with another simple two points.

Malvern then visibly relaxed and tackling became sloppy, allowing the Leamington backs into the game.

In a 10-minute period they consistently moved the ball to danger man Murphy, who first ran 70 metres to score from a quick tap penalty before scoring two classy tries.

Ott put over a penalty, while replacement scrum-half George Blakeway lasted just two minutes before a visit to the sin bin, but Malvern had done enough.

On the Hinckley game to come, Robins was philosophical. He said: "They are without doubt the best side we have played this season.

"I'm appealing to all Malvern members and followers to make the trip to Hinckley to get behind the team."