CLEE Hill opened their Midlands Four West (North) campaign with a hard-fought 24-20 victory over visitors Rugeley.

But it was a tough opening weekend for our other rugby sides, particularly league neighbours Church Stretton who were crushed 71-0 at home by Wednesbury.

In Midlands Two West (North), Cleobury Mortimer suffered a 50-0 defeat at Whitchurch and it was also a day to forget for Tenbury who lost their Midlands Four West (South) match at Birmingham Civil Service 52-19.

Bishop's Castle dropped into Midlands Five West (North) at the end of last season and didn’t get off to best of starts, losing 22-20 at home to Warley.