LUDLOW hit the ground running in Midlands 3 West (North) with an encouraging 32-15 victory over an Eccleshall outfit who finished third in the table last season.

The newly relegated Linneymen, intent on returning to Midlands 2 West (North) at the first attempt and kicking off a week later than most of their rivals, ran in five tries to Eccleshall’s three in a game full of open rugby.

Full-back Will Sparrow accounted for 17 of their points, with a try, two penalties and three conversions, while fly-half Mark Williams went over twice in the second half as Ludlow, with a new skipper in Gavin Duggan, took control of the proceedings.

Sam Wilkes also touched down in the first half, with Ludlow kicking on after leading 8-5 at the break. This Saturday Ludlow travel to Edwardians, who drew 24-24 with Eccleshall in their opening match.

Clee Hill suffered a second successive defeat when they were beaten 37-5 at a well-organised Tamworth, George Evans scoring their lone touchdown but the home side finishing strongly with three tries in the last ten minutes.

In Midlands 4 West (North) depleted Church Stretton had an afternoon to forget as they were swamped 55-0 at Rugeley but Bishop’s Castle &?Onny Valley produced a battling performance before going down 25-15 at Uttoxeter.

Castle started brightly but then conceded three quick tries before replying with a touchdown from prop Nick Davies and a penalty and conversion from Henry Wilson.

Davies had a try disallowed as Castle were close to pulling level, and their line was breached again before they came back for prop Robbie Davies to go over.

The contest was still there for the taking but a canny dropped goal from the Uttoxeter scrum-half then put two scores between the teams.

However Castle coach Darren Price said:?“There were plenty of positives to take from the game.”