CLEOBURY Men have started the new season on a high in the West Midlands League.

Though losing 3-2 in a cup match at Division One Rugby, they have won both their opening Division Two matches.

Cleobury opened their league campaign with a determined 3-0 victory over Tettenhall. Jamie Guest hit well and Matt Rogers was in fine blocking mode as Cleobury took the first set 25-19. They fought back to win the second 25-19 but slipped 16-9 behind in the third before another comeback clinched a 28-26 win.

Cleobury travelled to Wombourne 2nd bolstered by the return of Josh Bate, last season’s Player of the Year, although Guest was unavailable.

Wombourne took the first set 25-18 and Cleobury struggled in the second until a long-serving spell from Harry Booton enabled them to win 25-19. Wombourne won the third 25-19 but Jack Brookes became a dominant force at the net for Cleobury to win the fourth 25-22. Cleobury took a 4-1 lead in the fifth, but errors allowed Wombourne back in to lead 10-8. But then Cleobury won seven of the next eight points for a 15-11 win.

*CLEOBURY Ladies were beaten 3-2 by Warwick Riga.

Despite Lindsey Potter being on hitting form, a tight first set went 26-24 to Warwick. The second saw Cleobury win 25-18, with Becky Brooks hitting the spot for middle hitters Kathryn Howells and Shannon Smith.

Tactical hitting from Rosie Millichamp saw Cleobury take the third 27-25 but with the change in ends Cleobury lost their focus and Warwick opened up an 8-0 lead for a 25-23 win. Cleobury regained their focus in the final set but Warwick Riga won 15-13.