REDDITCH made a winning start to their Midlands Six West (SW) league campaign, cruising to a 46-3 victory over visitors Claverdon.

Tries from Lee Sherwood and Stuart George handed the Bromsgrove Road side a narrow 12-3 lead at the break but it was a different tale in the second period as Redditch ran riot.

Sherwood and George bagged another try apiece with the others coming from Stuart Medway, Tom Richards and a double from skipper Neil Hodgkins. Stan Hull kicked three conversions.

"It was an excellent start against one of the better teams in the division," Hodgkins said.

"It was one of the better games we have played and, after that, I'm confident we can beat anyone in the league."

Alcester slipped to a narrow 19-11 defeat at Dudley Wasps, their opening game in Midlands Five West (S).

Back-to-back penalties from Jack Sears handed the Kings Coughton side an early advantage and they added to Dudley's torment when flanker Phil Birks took a good take in the middle of a shortened line-out before being driven towards the Wasps line.

As their momentum slowed, Fijian flanker Mica Pieri broke from the back of the maul to score.

Dudley closed the gap to 11-9 at the break and then ran out winners with a second half try and penalty.

Redditch head to Wellingborough OGs in the Junior Vase on Saturday while Alcester take on Bloxwich in a friendly at Kings Coughton.