DEFENDING champions Worcestershire and Herefordshire suffered a 22-10 defeat at the hands of Greater Birmingham in the opening match of the RLF North Midlands Championship at Droitwich last night.

The champions were badly depleted by injuries and they encountered a strong, well-organised Greater Birmingham side who were able to include half-a-dozen players with National League experience.

Greater Birmingham laid the foundations for victory when they opened up a 15-0 lead at half time.

They stretched it to 22-0 before the Two Counties rallied with two tries from Worcester Wanderers' winger Ryan Henshaw.

The Greater Birmingham points came from first half tries from Camp Hill winger Ali Wildey and Aston OE's flanker Harry Vlhakis. Ian Chetland of Camp Hill added a penalty and a conversion and he also improved Greater Birmingham's only second half try, scored by Old Yardleians flanker Steve Grainger.

The next match in the three-team tournament will be between Shropshire and Worcestershire and Herefordshire at Shrewsbury next Wednesday, April 23 (7.30pm).