LUDLOW seized control of the Midlands Three West (North) title race with a comprehensive 51-24 victory over adversaries Handsworth.

The Linney outfit ran in tries through Will Sparrow (2), Sam Thomas (2), Jack Lines, Danny Hicks and Mike Jones to trump a Birmingham-based outfit that had moved into promotion contention with six straight victories. Sparrow landed two penalties and five conversions.

Ludlow now boast a three-point lead at the summit with the benefit of a game in hand which they play at Edwardians on Saturday while the rest of the division is out of action.

Cleobury Mortimer overhauled Burntwood to step into the second promotion place by winning 17-12 in Staffordshire.

Jack Bills and Tom Leach got the tries with Dave Leach and Alex Sparks kicking conversions to give Cleobury a two-point advantage over their opponents as the race for the top two hots up. Dave Leach kicked a penalty but later missed two more.

At the other end of the table, Clee Hill picked up a useful bonus point at mid-table Cannock but it could have been so much more.

Matt Bowen got the try but crucially missed the conversion and although Craig Breakwell scored a penalty, it was not enough to prevent a 9-8 defeat.

The setback leaves Clee Hill four points adrift of safety after closest rivals Harborne won 40-7 at Willenhall, the team directly above them at the start of play.

In Midlands Four West (North), Bishop’s Castle & Onny Valley passed up the chance to move away from the bottom two by granting hosts Barton-under-Needwood a walkover.

Church Stretton failed to take advantage, losing 22-7 at Wednesbury and the rivals remain level on 19 points apiece either side of the relegation line.