WORCESTER Jaguars' new season preparations ended in the perfect fashion last Saturday, as they ran out 40-28 winners at Leamington Royals.

Jags begin their West of England league campaign this weekend against local rivals Gloucester All Golds but first had to come through a stern test with Leamington.

The Jags started off at a blistering paste putting up 24 points without reply. The power of the of forwards was at times unstoppable, with debutant Richard Carr causing the Royals all sorts of problems.

The Royals began to work themselves back into the game and scored two try's after some good pressure. Jaguars then replied instantly to give a half-time score of Leamington Royals 12 - 28 Worcester Jaguars.

The second half began in the same vein with Jags pressuring the Royals line to score another converted try. Royals hit back with their own but the visitors scored shortly afterwards to stretch their lead.

The hosts enjoyed a good spell towards the end and crossed the line a couple more times to make the scoreboard look a bit more respectable but otherwise it was a comfortable win for the Jaguars.

Full-time: Leamington Royals 28 - 40 Worcester Jaguars (try scorers: Sean Roberts, Callum Spires, Will Baillon x 2, Chevel Taylor, Ben Gaubert, Sam Buckthought).

The Jaguars, who play in the fifth tier of rugby league in England, kick-off their league campaign this weekend against rivals All Golds.

Club president, Stuart Hood, said: "With the league starting on Saturday I believe we are in a good place to compete.

"Our Round 1 match is a big local derby against Gloucester All Golds, who were a professional club up until 2017. So it will be a great match to kick off with.

"We have strengthened our side since last season and have had some of our very talented Jaguars Academy lads come through. It's a strong league but we have the talent and team to compete for the playoffs, which is our target and where we expect to be."