FOUR penalties from Colin Smith earned Cleobury Mortimer 1st a 12-8 away victory over Berskwell and Balsall in their first outing in Midlands Four West (South).

It was a fine performance by Cleobury who have won promotion in each of the last three seasons.

Back to full strength after recent injuries and unavailability, Cleobury made a solid start and Smith landed three kicks to give them a nine-point cushion.

The home side reduced arrears with a penalty before the break and early in the second period some poor by Cleobury gifted the home side possession and they went over for a try to cut the deficit to a point.

However, Cleobury responded with some spirited rugby and Smith kicked his fourth penalty 10 minutes from the end.

Berkswell & Balsall 2nd 44 Cleobury 2nd 13

Although Kevin Shields kicked an early penalty, Cleobury trailed 29-8 at the break.

Their only other score came from new skipper Steve Phillips, who followed up his brace the previous week with another try.

Second row Chris Gittins went over for Cleobury's only score for the second period.