Ludlow 62 pts Willenhall 12 pts

WILL Sparrow snapped up a hat-trick and kicked 22 points as Ludlow rounded off the year with an eight-try salvo in Midlands Two West (North).

The outstanding Mark Williams bagged a brace of tries, while Rob Davies, Will Green and Darren Brick also crossed the whitewash in Saturday’s one-sided affair at The Linney.

“It was a convincing victory,” said Irish. “We were in control from the start.”

Ludlow are 11 points adrift of the second promotion spot in fourth place but head coach Dave Irish has been pleased with his team’s application and spirit.

“We were disappointed with our results against Crewe and Leek,” said Irish.

“I am pleased at where we are and the only major disappointment was an 11-9 defeat against Tamworth. We should be losing to the likes of them.

“The defeats against Moseley Oak and Crewe were hard to take.

“As it stands, we are 11 points off second spot but there are a lot of matches remaining and teams will be taking points off each other. It was nice to see Leek beaten at the weekend.

“We just have to keep plugging away and I think the club would be pleased with a top-half finish in the division at the end of the season.”

Theo Hodnett and Joe Doyle are both battling to overcome injuries.

Last Saturday’s match started late because Willenhall arrived just five minutes before kick off.

Ludlow had opened up a 34-5 lead before the interval.

“We delayed the kick-off until 2.25pm but we couldn’t delay it any longer because of the light,” said Irish.

“Willenhall started well but we got the first try and our confidence grew.

“Willenhall scored just after half time but our fitness told and we finished the match strongly.”

Irish said Williams was in top form once again for the Ludlow.

“Our man of the match was Mark Williams – he’s in a rich vein of form at the moment.

“Will Sparrow is continuing to kick exceptionally well.

“He’s converted some very important kicks for us and we are very pleased with his form with the boot.

“Rob Davies has had two games for the first team and both have been encouraging displays.

“He’s come into the back-row at open-side and done very well for us.”

“It was nice to round off the year with eight good tries.”

Ludlow were due to play Shrewsbury in a friendly this Saturday but it has been called off.