CLEOBURY Mortimer Rugby Club captain Will Bache is taking nothing for granted despite seeing his team sit comfortably at the top of Midlands Four West (North).

Bache's team smashed in 12 tries in an astonishing 76-3 derby win against Tenbury last season and have won their opening three games of the season.

Cleobury are now firm favourites to get promoted, but Bache knows that it is still early days.

"It is going very well, but it's going to be a long season," said Bache.

"We cannot look too far ahead.

"I know it's a cliche, but we are just taking every game as it comes.

"We are away to Birmingham Exiles in the Midlands Junior Vase this Saturday and we would like a little cup run if we can.

"They play in the league below us, but it is never easy going to Birmingham.

"But we are using a squad of 19 to 20 players each game at the moment and we are progressing all the time."

Bache added that the return of Paul Hulland from Luctonians has made a huge difference.

"He is doing a bit of coaching at the club and to have his presence at the club is great," said Bache.

"He says the right things and the lads respect the level he has been at."

Hulland was one of nine players who scored a try against Tenbury.

Tom Leach, Alex Howman and David Shorter all got two, with Sam Sutton, Ed Lewis, Ben Howman, Dave Leach and Bache also going over the line.

Bache however said that Tenbury never gave up and praised their commitment.

"I been on the wrong end of some drubbings, so know what it's like," said Bache.

"I am a bit disappointed with how it finished because we went off the boil and let them have a penalty so was a missed opportunity to get more point.

"But I can't but really complain."

Fly-half Allan Shields added he was surprised with the high score.

"They only had one try-scoring chance and it was quite and easy game," said Shields.

"We are feeling really positive at the moment and we've got a few more people to return.

"I see no reason why we cannot go up because we've got a good, strong team this year and have got players fighting for positions."

"Everyone has a point to prove they go out on the pitch.

"We had 20 players on Saturday, compared to last season when we had 15 for some games.

"It's been a while since we have been in this position."