SPOKESMAN Phil Norton is hoping Ludlow Rugby Club’s players will stand tall in Saturday’s visit from Midlands Two West (North) leaders Leek.

Ludlow threw away a 34-5 lead in last weekend’s re-arranged match at Wolverhampton and conceded a last-gasp try in 34-all draw.

The club are holding their president’s day at The Linney this weekend and Norton is hoping the players can draw strength from a large crowd.

Will Norton said: “It was a terrific performance for most of the match but were a bit disappointed at the end. We were looking to protect our lead and we stopped playing.”

He added that Bryn Rees, Mike Jones Luke Saunders, Matt Boddy and Rob Higgins all played well for Ludlow, who led 27-5 at the break,

Will Norton gave Ludlow a fine start, touching down under the posts and the conversion came from Will Sparrow, who also scored a try, kicked two penalties and three conversions.

Joe Doyle also crossed for two stunning tries, including a 60-metre dash started by Theo Hodnett.

Cleobury Mortimer’s promotion hopes were crushed with a 32-10 defeat at high-flying Cannock in Midlands Four West (North).

Dave Shorter scored a try, while skipper Allan Shields kicked a penalty and conversion for Cleobury who led 10-0 after 65 minutes.

“I brought in Tony Heap and Pete Howman after retirement. Oliver Green, at 17 years old, made his first-team debut, while Sam Bills did a cracking job. “

Skipper Jack Holloway scored a try as Bishops Castle warmed up for Saturday’s derby at Tenbury with an impressive 20-10 win at Bromyard.

Andy Dale and Dan Homewood also crossed for Castle, with Holloway kicking a penalty and a conversion.

Castle spokesman Pete Bevan said: “We were outstanding for 70 minutes. Kieran Evans had a stormer in the centre and Matty Davies carried the ball well.”

Two second-half tries from Max Beeching inspired Church Stretton Samurai under-17 to a 22-0 win over Dudley Kingswinford in the North Midlands Plate semi-final

Oli Greenhouse also crossed, while Roan Kirkby kicked two conversions and a penalty. Stretton travel to Hinckley this Sunday in the semi-finals of the National Shield.