NORTH Midlands Vase holders Bredon Star started their defence with a 15-6 second-round win at Ross-on-Wye.

Star beat Ross twice last season in heated contests before being promoted to Gloucester Division One.

Joe Carolan kicked a penalty before Michael Jordan committed two men and Steffan Lasota switched with Gavin Maber on the wing to walk in the first try.

Two Ross penalties made it 8-6 but the introduction of Steffan Ellis proved inspirational.

He scored his debut try after combining with Lasota and Carolan converted.

Star visit Widden Old Boys on Saturday in their opening league game.

They train at Bredon Playing Fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30pm and new players are welcome.

Relegated Evesham begin their Midlands Four West (South) campaign at Redditch on Saturday.

They romped to a 57-9 win at Aldridge in the North Midlands Vase second round.

Pershore progressed in the North Midlands Shield Plate with an 8-7 first-round win at county rivals Upton.

They fell behind to a converted try but took advantage of the hosts’ ill-discipline to score through Martin Hope.

Lewis Dolphin kicked a winning penalty for Pershore, who host Ledbury in the Midlands Three West (South) opener on Saturday.