Matt Wilkes returns from injury in Ludlow Rugby Club's 31-21 defeat against Stoke in Midlands One West (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Matt Wilkes returns from injury in Ludlow Rugby Club's 31-21 defeat against Stoke in Midlands One West

5:00pm Thursday 7th February 2013 in Sport By Ian Morgan

HOOKER Matt Wilkes made a surprise return to Ludlow’s first-team - less than three months after a serious back injury against Stoke.

Wilkes came on as a secondhalf replacement in last Saturday’s battle, ironically against Stoke, at The Linney.

Sam Wilkes and Jack Lines were among the try-scorers for Ludlow, who suffered a 31-21 defeat in this Midlands One West tussle.

Stoke set up their victory after opening up a 19-7 lead before the interval.

Struggling Cleobury Mortimer were agonisingly pipped 14-12 against Stourbridge Lions in Midlands Three West (North).

But Bishops Castle had an excellent afternoon, recording an 11-5 home win over lowly Herefordshire outfit Bromyard in Midlands Four West (North).

Newcomer Jamie Owen scored Castle’s try, while Jack Holloway kicked two penalties. The hosts led 8-5 at the interval.

“Bromyard scored a try after 20 minutes but that was the only time they got into our 22,” said Castle skipper Pete Bevan.

He added: “We dominated the game in all areas, despite starting with just 14 men, and we probably should have won by a much bigger margin.”