Crewe and Nantwich 72 pts Ludlow 18 pts

LUDLOW Rugby Club will be sweating over the fitness of key players after a bruising defeat at high-flying Crewe and Nantwich.

Ludlow travel to Wolverhampton this Saturday for a re-arranged fixture in Midlands Two West (North)

The Linneymen finished with 13 men on the pitch last weekend after injuries to Mark Williams, James Tyrell, Alex Wallace, Gareth Price and Matt Wilkes.

Ludlow spokesman Phil Norton said: “We were destroyed with injuries last weekend, which was disappointing after fighting so well in the first half. Crewe scored right on the stroke of half time to change the change and, crucially, Matt Wilkes picked up an injury which ended his involvement.”

Ludlow trailed 12-6 late in the first half before the hosts scored a try to lead 17-6 at the interval.

Rob Higgins and Will Armitage scored tries for Ludlow, while Will Sparrow kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Norton said: “We defeated Wolverhampton at home earlier in the season after coming back from 17 points down. Mark Williams scored a late try to win the match and we are hoping he will be back.”