Joe Doyle scores crucial late try in Ludlow Rugby Club's fight for Midlands One West survival (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Joe Doyle scores crucial late try in Ludlow Rugby Club's fight for Midlands One West survival

7:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport By Ian Morgan

LUDLOW coach Dave Irish believes Joe Doyle’s last-gasp converted try at Berkswell and Balsall could be vital in their Midlands One West relegation battle.

The Linneymen remain one place above the drop zone after a 21-17 defeat - but they are two points better off than Barkers Butts.

“We are now two points better off than Barkers Butts and it looks like a straight shoot-out between us and them for the final relegation place,”

said Irish. “It was disappointing to lose but Saturday’s losing bonus point could be worth its weight in gold at the end of the season.”

Barkers are scheduled to host Hereford this Saturday.

Hereford are expected to be understrength because a host of their first-team will be travelling to Cardiff to watch England’s Grand Slam attempt.

Will Green crashed over for a try to put Ludlow ahead last Saturday and Will Norton added the conversion. Norton also slotted a penalty but Berkswell led 14-10 at the interval.

Berkswell were 21-10 ahead until Doyle dived over the line and Norton converted from the last play of the match.

“We have a huge match against Camp Hill on March 23 and we will be putting everything into that.”

Cleobury Mortimer skipper Jon Britton will soon be looking to next season after his side crashed 38-5 at Yardley and District in Midlands Three West (North).

Late call-up Pete Howman scored Cleobury’s try but Tom Williams damaged a shoulder and could miss this Saturday’s trip to Burntwood.

Britton conceded: “We showed a lot of spirit and enthusiasm but we’re at the bottom of the league and I think we will soon be relegated.”

Cleobury will be heading into Midlands Four West (North) with local rivals Tenbury, who crashed 45-9 at leaders Market Drayton.

Ben King kicked three penalties for Tenbury, whose promotion dreams have died over the past fortnight.

Tenbury captain Pete Stevens was without a host of key players.

Stevens said: “It was a bit of disaster on Saturday - we gave Market Drayton too much respect. I think Uttoxeter are a better side than Market Drayton.”

He added: “Our next league game is against Barton on April 13 but we will be organising a few friendlies.”