Ludlow 16 Malvern 27

NEW Ludlow head coach Norman Stalker says he knows what has to contend with as he gears up towards the start of the new season.

Stalker replaced previous coach Dave Irish, who resigned from Ludlow's hot-seat last season.

Irish is now in charge of Malvern and brought his side to The Linney last Saturday for a North Midlands Shield showdown.

Stalker said that the two exchanged pleasantries and there was no animosity.

"I didn't know Dave, but we had a brief chat and everyone shook his hand," said Stalker.

"It was amicable and pleasant and there was no bad feeling.

"Some players had a disagreement with him, but there was no animosity and everyone can now look to the future."

Ludlow open their Midlands Two West (North) campaign away to Stourbridge Lions next weekend.

Stalker acknowledges that his young side will struggle against teams who are big and physical.

"It is difficult to say how we'll do against Stourbridge," said Stalker.

"If they have a massive pack, then we are going to struggle, but we will give it a go against teams who want to play rugby.

"I have got a great bunch of lads and when we sat down in June they were very honest with me about what they want to achieve.

"Some of them had an unhappy season, so they just want to have some fun.

"I like my players to be adventurous and take risks, so I ma hopeful that I have players who can do that."

Ludlow's points against Malvern came from two tries from Sam Thomas and a brace of penalties from Will Norton.

However, despite the defeat, Stalker enjoyed the game.

"It was a great game and lots of fun," said Stalker.

"It was end to end stuff and I really enjoyed it

"I have got a young squad of players, but the signs were encouraging.

"Apart from Russell Jones, Will Norton and Mark Williams, I don't have any players over 30.

"Gareth Parker also switched from full-back to scrum-half, with Liam O'Neill playing full-back."

"They have worked hard over the past four or five weeks and have shown a lot of promise.

"I haven't got more than 40 players, so to put out a team of 18 against Malvern was very pleasing."