Ludlow 27pts Selly Oak 3

LUDLOW'S coach Phil Norton was delighted with his team's performance as they hauled themselves up to a challenging third position in the Midlands Four West (North).

He said: "We controlled the game from the start with our forwards showing great discipline and the backs tackling superbly."

The home team started well and put Selly Oak under immediate, sustained pressure. This soon paid dividends with centre Jason Hodnett showing great awareness to take a quick tapped penalty to charge over with the visitors still disputing the award, fly-half Mark Williams adding the extra points.

Selly Oak hit back with a penalty but number eight Andrew Brick started and finished a move to extend the home lead with an unconverted try.

Disciplined play by Ludlow's pack ensured a good supply of ball, and when Selly Oak tried to attack they were driven back.

The visitors failed to gather and the ball bounced nicely for the chasing winger Matt Hawes who sprinted 40 metres for a try under the posts. Williams obliged with the conversion and just before the break landed a penalty for a comfortable interval lead.

When Selly Oak were caught Ludlow turned the ball over and slick passing saw left-wing Derek Sandell cross in the corner for a final, unconverted score.