PERSHORE Rugby Club hosted a successful open day.

Old and new players ­— with four recent recruits in a total of 37 ­— came together to enjoy two matches.

There was a social team friendly with Shipston-on-Stour and a first XV fixture against Burbage.

New club chairman Richard George said three new players have since joined training.

He said: “The really exciting thing as well is players who haven’t been to the club for over 20 years came down to support on the day and catch up with old friends.

"There is a very positive vibe about all the exciting plans we are progressing to develop the club’s facilities and coaching and recruitment.

“We want to increase the number of changing rooms and social space we offer to cater for the increased number of players ­— men, women and children ­— that we are recruiting and the plan is to make better use of the space we have within our building’s existing footprint.

"What we have got already is a great place to be but with the input of an architect we are going to make it even better.

“We are getting ready to apply for funds and boost our own reserves to completely refurbish all of the club’s facilities and although we already have some of the best pitches in the county there is always more that can be achieved and we are going to be focusing especially on improving our floodlit training area so it can meet the extra use that will be required of it.”

Pershore lost 35-33 to Burbage in Midlands Four West (South) despite getting a try bonus point by half-time through Damien May, Martin Hope, Dan Johnson and Ash White.

They lost Nick Creswick, James Edwards and Greg Hitchcock to injury but debutant Johnson crossed again and Dave Oliver kicked four conversions with the boot.

But Burbage won the match with a late converted try.

Pershore's next league game produced a 43-38 defeat at Claverdon as White (2), Oliver, Jon Critchlow and Johnson scored tries.

Oliver kicked 13 points for the town who host Bloxwich in the RFU Midlands Junior Vase first round on Saturday.

Pershore also have a women’s contact team and touch rugby squad as well as a minis and juniors section.