BROMSGROVE RFC will still have by no means a full side when they resume league action at home to Worcestershire rivals Malvern on Saturday (2.15pm).

Boars’ head coach Ross Baxter deliberately blooded some youngsters and fringe players in the North Midlands Cup win at Camp Hill.

The policy was partly aimed at giving senior players a rest but also out of necessity, given the injury situation at Finstall.

Missing for Saturday’s game will be John Critchlow and Luke Davies, both of whom have to have operations and will be out long term.

To add to their worries, Tom Solomon dislocated his shoulder at the weekend and Steve Blackburn and Paul Norris face fitness tests.

Baxter was pleased with what he saw at Camp Hill, particularly with an inexperienced back row that stood up well to the tough tackling home side and poor conditions.

He said: “ I certainly didn’t want to lose two games in a row and we came through well with a good -performance at a tough place to come to.”

“The Malvern game will provide a different test for us and it is the nearest we have to a local derby in this league.

“We haven’t played them for a while so it should be interesting and while we will be favourites looking at the league table, we will take nothing for granted but will be looking to maintain our good form at home."