CLUB captain Daran Chard insisted Church Stretton would have no problem fulfilling future fixtures despite granting Rugeley a walkover on the opening day.

The Midlands Four West North clash was called off after Church Stretton’s request for uncontested scrums was denied by the Staffordshire outfit.

Chard said: “We had eight front-row forwards missing so we contacted the league and offered Rugeley the option of uncontested scrums on safety grounds.

“They turned that down, which was completely understandable as they have strength in that area.

"We were pretty gutted but we should have a full front row back next weekend.”

Elsewhere in the division, Bishop’s Castle were walloped 99-5 at Trentham with the hosts racking up 15 tries and 12 conversions. Castle’s solitary score came when they were 28 points down.

Clee Hill narrowly lost 17-12 in their opener at Telford Hornets.