THERE was to be no dream start for the Worcestershire Saints rugby league side as they suffered a 48-0 defeat at home to Hemel Stags.

The damage was done by three tries in an eight-minute spell that stunned the Saints who had started the better of the sides.

Francois Helmer and Richard Whitehouse went closest for Saints who are at home again next week against Bedford at Bromsgrove RFC's Finstall Park ground. The game kicks-off at 2.30pm.