LUDLOW ran riot to secure an 8-0 victory at Leamington in their West Midlands Premier Division opener.

The visitors applied pressure from the outset and seized the initiative through James Pratt’s strong finish early on.

Leamington enjoyed short spells of possession but rarely posed a realistic threat going forward and Pratt was again on target after some slick build-up play from Ludlow’s midfield trio.

From there, the floodgates opened and it was 5-0 at half-time.

The home side came out determined not to get steamrollered in the same fashion and caused Ludlow some problems early in the second half.

However, after weathering that 20-minute storm the away side continued their exploits and racked up eight.

Pratt bagged another two with Matt Blount, Tom Aston, Brenden Pratt and Stu Richards also on the score sheet.

Elsewhere, the seconds won 4-0 despite having to borrow two players from rivals Bloxwich.

Dan Bloxwich made an immediate impact in his first competitive hockey match by bagging a hat-trick for Ludlow, while Colin Chilles said goodbye with a goal before his imminent transfer to Shrewsbury.

The visitors played their part in an exciting contest but experienced goalkeeper, Australian guest Toby Munton, kept them at bay.