LUDLOW finished second best in a Midlands 3 West (North) top-of-the-table clash at Tamworth.

Leaders Tamworth finished 26-5 winners, with Ludlow’s sole score coming in the shape of a superb late touchdown from Mark Williams.

Tamworth opened the scoring with a converted try after just six minutes, and they kept the pressure on as their front row won plenty of the ball.

They extended their advantage to 19-0 at the break and the second half was only two minutes old when they put the game beyond Ludlow’s reach with another converted try.

But Ludlow rallied and a great run from Williams saw a string of Tamworth defenders left in his wake as he dotted down in the corner for a terrific consolation score.

Bishop’s Castle also travelled to one of the top dogs in Midlands 4 West (North), and were beaten 22-3 at Barton-under-Needwood.

The weather wasn't the best and after a long journey Castle were slow to start and the first half saw Barton bag a try and two two penalties to lead 13-0.

Castle had their work cut out in the second half, but they pulled some points back with a penalty from Henry Wilson when they perhaps should have gone for a try instead.

But Barton came again to finish comfortable winners. Castle skipper Gareth Jones said:?“Barton are a good team and we just weren’t at the races. The better team won and we need to improve. It's one to write off and move on.”