WHITCHURCH Rugby Club cruised through their final pre-season warm-up game against Market Drayton side boasting international representation.

Travelling on the road to Market Drayton, Whitchurch ran out 33-0 winners, with the home side bolstering their ranks with a number of Fijian players from the nearby Tern Hill barracks.

Whitchurch were in no mood to be intimidated by the hard tackling, hard running home side and showed their in depth strength by playing all 31 players at various times without any loss of impetus.

Tries from Brook Hill, James Marvell, Ian Hockenhull and two from the irrepressible Steve Bloore and, with captain Danny Nicholas kicking four conversions, ensured a healthy victory.

Coach, Noel Speed, was delighted with the performance and is relishing the prospect of the forthcoming campaign.

"There are several leading players still to return and some others who were unable through work to make the evening game at Drayton and so there will be a fight for places," he added.

Chairman of Whitchurch Rugby Club, John Oakden, also announced the launch of a veterans team.

He said: "It is also planned to have a veterans team this season with several local derbies already in the planning.

"Veterans rugby is played by the over 35s and gives players who cannot commit to play every week he chance to meet up with old friends and enemies in a social game and even more social after game scenario.

"Dates will be announced as soon as confirmed."

The season starts on Saturday, September 4, when the first team will be away at Kenilworth and the second team will be away at Leek.

Both games kick off at 3pm.

The first home game is a week later on September 11 when Whitchurch will host Lichfield.

Kick off again at 3pm.