Tenbury 44 pts Stourport 16

AFTER a poor start, Tenbury gradually improved and eventually ran in seven tries to record a comfortable win over local rivals Stourport in the first round of the North Midlands Vase at Palmer's Meadow.

The home side was punished for a mistake ridden, lethargic first quarter, Stourport taking a 9-0 lead through three penalties. With the visitors boasting an unblemished record in North Midlands South Two after ten games the omens looked bleak for Tenbury.

They gradually found their rhythm and had reduced the deficit to a single point by the break. Richard Wozencroft went over for an unconverted try and Andy Yeomans kicked a penalty. The second half performance saw them playing the same fluent rugby they were before Christmas.

They ran in six more tries, whilst their opponents only reply was a late consolation converted try. Wozencroft added a further three to his earlier effort, with Fraser Young and Darren Kyte also getting on the score-sheet. The most popular score of the day was a try for Graham Evans who was making his last appearance for the club before moving away from the area. Yeomans kicked three conversions.

The game was a useful exercise before resuming their league campaign with a visit to Woodrush on Saturday.