REDDITCH roared into the next round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase with a resounding 61-12 drubbing of Wellingborough OG.

The Bromsgrove Road side were in control from the start, their pace and fitness proving too much for the Northamptonshire outfit.

Winger Edwin Grey led the way with four tries, two in each half, as he continually outpaced his opposite number.

Fellow wing Lewis Saddington stepped up from the seconds to bag a brace of tries with stand-off Tom Saddington also scoring twice.

Forwards Phil Goddard and Lee Wilson also went over with skipper Neil Hodgkins also adding his name to the scoresheet. Stan Huill kicked three conversions.

"They were a strong team but they weren't as fit as us and that told in the end," Hodgkins added.

Redditch travel to Bredon Star on Saturday for a league game.

Alcester opened their season's account with a 24-14 defeat of Bloxwich at King's Coughton.

But they were made to work hard for their victory, particularly in the second half when the visitors fought back to lead the match for a short period.

Full-back Mike Conway scored the opening try, Andy Smith converting, with Conway then doubling his tally with a second try in the corner as Alcester opened up a 12-0 half-time lead.

But Bloxwich scored two converted tries inside the opening ten minutes of the second period to swing the game in their favour.

Alcester began to regain the ascendancy as their pack started to dominate the scrum.

Sam Vernon dived over to nudge his side back in front and with skipper Scott Carmichael coming on as a substitute, the home side were in control.

Flanker Mica Pieri grabbed a fourth try with Smith adding the extras.

Alcester welcome Coventry Welsh to King's Coughton on Saturday.