PLAYERS at Church Stretton Samurai RFC have bagged some handy kit thanks to a generous donation.

Six kitbags have been bought by the club, currently top of Midlands Five West (North), following a £250 donation by Bates & Hunt, which distributes heating oil, fuel and lubricants from its base in Dorrington, just outside Shrewsbury.

The cash was made available following an application to the firm by club fundraiser and player, Matt Charles.

"Matt Charles, senior player and fundraiser at Church Stretton Samurai RFC, said: “We’re really grateful for the generous donation from Bates & Hunt," said Charles.

"We’d struggle to establish the club without community support, which will help Church Stretton Samurai RFC become a leading local club.”

The kitbags bear the Bates & Hunt logo to reflect the new partnership between the club and firm.

“We made this donation as part of our commitment to enriching the lives of people in the areas we serve," said Anthony Saunders, general manager at Bates & Hunt.

"We feel Church Stretton Samurai RFC is really deserving of this. The club has only been running for one year, and it has gone from strength to strength.

"We are so pleased to be a part of its growth and we wish the team the best of luck.”

On the field the club is flying high having won all five of their league games so far this season to top the division.

Their latest match saw them return from Birmingham Barbarians with a 73-5 win.