THE Ludlow coaches will have plenty to contemplate ahead of this weekend's opening competitive game following a 19-7 defeat to Ludlow.

Lineouts were something of a problem for Ludlow when they took on Builth in a hard pre-season workout.

But Ludlow had plenty to be proud of in terms of both defence and attack causing plenty of problems against well drilled opposition.

The Builth players were quick to the breakdown and effective in the way that they isolated and held up Ludlow players to earn scrums and penalties.

However, the Ludlow backs caused plenty of problems with Kieran Pinches at outside half making several clean breaks and Will Hodnett and Mark Williams causing problems too. Ludlow’s only try came from a grubbed kick from Joe Doyle allowing Will Sparrow to outpace the Builth defence to score.

Ludlow are in cup action at Old Saltleians on Saturday and their league campaign starts a week later at Telford.

Ludlow seconds, playing in the Midlands Reserves League this year play their first game on September 1, away against Evesham seconds.