LUDLOW RFC coach Norman Stalker felt that his side had made a breakthrough despite being crushed by top-of-the-table Bridgnorth in Midlands 2 West (North).

the Linneymen lost 70-8 but Stalker still reserves praise for his players.

"It was a strange feeling after the game” said Stalker.

“I was bitterly disappointed with the final score, but delighted with my players during the first half, I really felt they had made a breakthrough.”

Stalkers’ men had taken the lead via a Will Norton penalty early on, but Ludlow then saw the hosts move in front briefly.

Mark Williams grabbed a try which saw the visitors regain the lead half-way through the first period.

Ludlow continued to compete but went into the break trailing 17-8.

However, Stalker was still full of praise for his side.

"We matched them all over, I couldn’t fault my players at all in the first half," he said.

"To reach the break trailing with that scoreline to a team with a record like Bridgnorth was tremendous.”

The second half was not as competitive and the hosts went on to score a further 53 points without reply, leaving Stalker to conclude that his players simply weren’t fit enough

“We know how to play rugby, we are good enough to compete with the top teams in our league, but we’re simply not fit enough," he conceded.

“I’m a strength and conditioning coach by profession so I know what the players need to do to get fitter and stronger.”

In Midlands 4 West (North) Cleobury Mortimer maintained their impressive 100 per cent record by beating Yardley and District 26-15 to cement their place at the top of the table.

“It was a fine win” said Cleobury captain Will Bache.

"Perhaps it was a little tougher than we expected, but I am happy with where we are at the moment.”

Cleobury’s points came from tries by Tom Redfearn, who also converted, and Simon Boyd.

Dave Leach scored 14 points with his boot.

“There’s talk in the dressing room of trying to go the whole season undefeated, but I like to take one game at a time” added Bache.

In Midlands 3 West (North) Clee Hill captain Matt Bowen was pleased with his sides performance as they beat bottom of the table Aston Old Edwardians 22-3.

“It’s games like this that can be tricky” said Bowen.

"We spent a lot of time on their five-yard line and deserved the win.”

Bowen himself grabbed a try, as did Adam Yarnold, Charlie Evans and Guy Hampton, with Craig Breakwell kicking the conversion.

Church Stretton were rewarded a walkover win in their match against Whittington in Midlands 5 West (North).