REDDITCH started the season with a morale-sapping 26-18 derby defeat to near neighbours Woodrush.

The hosts, still recovering after two successive relegations, lived up to their pedigree by scoring 14 points in the last ten minutes to hit back from 18-13 down.

The result is an early blow to the Kingfishers who are aiming for promotion this season but provided the perfect start for Woodrush.

Matt Playford and Nigel Simons did the damage with early tries before influential number eight Nigel Smith limped off.

Redditch reduced the deficit but Leech added a controversial try when the referee overruled the visiting touch judge who said the Woodrush player had gone out of bounds.

And Paul Witham wrapped up the late flurry after intercepting a Redditch pass on the halfway line.

The town rivals have contrasting cup trips to look forward to on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Redditch have a seemingly straightforward trip to face North Midlands Three outfit Chaddesley Corbett in the first round of the Powergen Junior Vase.

But fellow North Midlands One side Woodrush are at home to a Ludlow team a division higher up the leagues in Midlands West Four North in the Powergen Intermediate Cup.