SKIPPER Pete Stevens scored the decisive try in Tenbury Rugby Club’s hard-fought 22-17 victory over Ludlow in a memorial match at The Linney.

Stevens picked up the ball from the base of a ruck and leapt over the line to lead his side to success in Saturday’s match in memory of ex-Tenbury prop Steve Moore.

Stevens said: “I dived over the line and smiled at the Ludlow supporters.

“It was an excellent match and very well supported by people from Tenbury and there were a lot of people from Ludlow.

“The game was played in the right spirit and Ludlow’s captain, Darren Brick, put out a good side.”

Full-back Sam Thomas bagged a brace of tries for a Tenbury side boosted by Ben James and Chris James.

Chris James crossed the whitewash for Tenbury and Ben King kicked a conversion for the visitors.

Stevens said: “Ben James had a very good game and Ian Bowkett put in an excellent display. We played very well and were 12-0 up at one stage.”

Hooker Robbie Davies, Darren Homewood and Keith Evans scored tries in Bishops Castle’s 33-14 victory at Church Stretton Samurai in an inaugural match in memory of Nathan Chard.

Castle put in a strong second-half display to see off a Stretton side which included Nathan’s dad Trevor and brothers Tom and Daran in the front row and cousin Jamie featured on the wing.

Tries from Tom Ward and flanker Jack Titley, and Ashley Passant’s conversion, gave Strettton a 14-12 interval lead in Saturday's match.

But Castle’s powerful forwards took control in the second half and Stretton struggled to get into the game as the visitors piled on the pressure.

Castle took home the trophy for the match, which is to become an annual event between the sides.

Castle spokesman Pete Bevan said: “The match was very competitive and played for a fantastic cause.

"Stretton are an improving side but we have now beaten them twice this season.”

Stretton’s next match is a friendly at Newport on January 11.