CLEE Hill RFC produced what skipper Charlie Evans hailed as one of the ‘most satisfying’ displays in his time at the club to thrash promotion rivals Rugeley 60-14 in Midlands Four West North.

Hill finished fourth, a place behind Rugeley, last season but destroyed them with an emphatic nine-try victory at Tenbury Road.

Captain Evans bagged a hat-trick, Scott Jordan and Matt Bowen notched braces, while Steve Adams and Robbie Jordan also crossed and Hayden Edwards kicked six conversions and a penalty.

Evans said: “It wasn’t the highest scoreline we have had but considering who we were playing, it was definitely one of the most satisfying.

“Rugeley beat us heavily away last season and finished above us so we were expecting a close game but I think we just clicked.

“They couldn’t believe how well we played. The tries came from all over the pitch and our defence was brilliant – Rugeley are a big side but they barely saw any of the ball.”

Hill visit Claverdon in the RFU Midlands Junior Vase this Saturday with Tenbury also in action as they bid to repeat their heroics in the competition from last season when they reached the regional final.

They face a tricky test in round three on Saturday, at home to Market Drayton, who top Midlands Four West North having won all three of their league games so far this season.

Tenbury head coach Andy Black, though, remains confident and believes his side’s promotion into Midlands Four West South this season will stand them in good stead.

He said: “We have a much harder league this season and as a result we are playing at a much higher standard of rugby, whereas last season we only really found that standard in the cup.

“Because of what we did last year in the cup, the hunger at the club is still there and we enjoyed the excitement and buzz it created in the dressing room and the community as a whole.

“We are happy that Market Drayton are travelling to us.

“Over the years we have played Market Drayton on a few occasions and when we have gone there they have been exceptionally strong – but when they have come to us, they’ve not been as strong.”

Tenbury suffered a narrow 34-26 league defeat at Coventrians last Saturday, having twice led in the first half through a pair of length-of-the-field Luke Gill tries.

Coventrians responded on both occasions to leave the score level at 12-12 at the break but Jon Hitchings drove over to put Tenbury back ahead after the break.

However, a purple patch from the hosts proved decisive as they ran in three tries and kicked a penalty to lead 34-19 before Hitchings bagged a late consolation.