LUDLOW Rugby Club coach Norman Stalker said his players learnt a harsh lesson after going down 36-5 to Stourbridge Lions in their opening Midlands Two West (North) game.

Stalker said that his players could not compete with their opponents during the last 20 minutes and will be hoping for much better when they host Tamworth this Saturday.

"I was disappointed because we were competitive up until an hour of the game," said Stalker.

"But I have a bunch of young lads with no experience.

"They had a lot of very good young players, but we were only 11-5 down at half-time.

"With 60 minutes gone, it was 16-5, but they got another try and the players got a little bit rattled.

"They were trying to find holes and the game got away from us, which is a shame.

"We played schoolboy rugby at times, so the benchmark will be when we play Stourbridge at the end of the season.

"Our target against Tamworth will be to compete for the whole game and not just for 60 minutes.

"It is going to be a season of development and if we finish mid-table, we would have done well."

Ludlow's points came from a Sam Thomas try.

Tom Ward bagged three tries to ensure Church Stretton Samurai were celebrating against Stourport in their first-ever league game.

Nick Evans, George Bagley and Will Bryant also got on the score-sheet to help the team to a 32-17 success in Midlands Five West (North).

The victory puts Stretton second in the table and they host leaders Warley this Saturday.

A host of festivities are due to get underway from 1.30pm to celebrate Stretton's first home game of the season.

Captain Matt Bowen said that he was pleased with Clee Hill's performance against Newcastle (Staffs) in Midlands Three West (North) despite losing 35-10.

This is Clee Hill's first season in the league and saw tries scored from Craig Breakwell and Luke Bowen.

"I was quite pleased with our performance because Newcastle came third last season and will be looking for promotion," said Bowen.

"It was a few of the players' first game and were getting back into the swing of things.

"We have got Uttoxeter at home this weekend, who we beat 3-0 a couple of seasons ago, so hopefully we can beat them again."

Tries from Josh Phillips, Dave Leach, Tom Leach, Paul Holland and Jack Bills helped Cleobury to a comprehensive 35-0 win against Rugeley in Midlands Four West (North.

Dave Leach also scored five conversions in the emphatic win.

"Paul Holland has come back from Luctonians and will be a key player this season," said captain Will Bache.

"We haven't set any targets this season, but we have got an influx of youngsters who want to play for Cleobury, so we will keep developing them."

Tries from Pete Bevan and Jamie Owen saw Bishops Castle narrowly beat Yardley 16-14 in the same league.

Jack Holloway also scored two penalties and a conversion in the game that saw two Yardley players sent off.

"It was a very good win considering we normally struggle early in the season," said Holloway.

"We will be going for promotion this season."