Wolverhampton 0 pts Ludlow 3 pts – match abandoned

HEAD coach Dave Irish says the wet weather is not doing Ludlow Rugby Club any favours.

Ludlow have slipped to sixth in Midlands Two West (North) after last Saturday’s match at Wolverhampton was abandoned after four minutes.

“We are falling behind a bit in our fixtures and we have two re-arranged fixtures to play,” said Irish.

“I would much rather have the points in the bag than playing catch up with the other teams.”

However, Irish believes the early abandonment has given Joe Doyle time to recover from a shin problem.

And he is hoping Doyle will be ready for Ludlow’s re-arranged match against Old Saltleians this Saturday at The Linney.

Ludlow were leading 3-0 through Will Sparrow’s early penalty when the heavens opened at Wolverhampton.

Irish said: “It was the first time that I have been involved in a rugby match which has been abandoned because of rain.

“There was hail, thunder and lightning and the referee blew his whistle and ran off the pitch and we all followed.

“When the rain had stopped, there was standing water on the pitch and there wasn’t a chance we could restart the match.

“It was disappointing and I jokingly asked the referee if the result would stand.”

Ludlow’s rearranged game against Wolverhampton is now scheduled for March 15.

Irish head down to Gloucester to enjoy Irish Wolfhounds’ 14-8 victory over England Saxons.

And some of the Ludlow lads went to Bridgnorth to see the hosts’ 29-0 success over Crewe and Nantwich.

Irish expects a tough match against Old Saltleians, who are now fifth.

“The extra week will give a couple of the lads more time to recover from injuries but we are probably still going to be without Will Norton, who has a back injury,” he said.

“We are probably going to have a near full-strength squad for what promises to be a tough match.”