Ludlow focus on Whitchurch Shropshire derby after Old Halesonians loss (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Ludlow focus on Whitchurch Shropshire derby after Old Halesonians loss

5:30pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Sport

Ludlow 3 pts Old Halesonians 37.

LUDLOW coach Dave Irish says his side are fully focused for Saturday’s Shropshire derby with visitors Whitchurch.

Irish’s men have had a tough start to the season and are still searching for their first win in Midlands One West.

Ludlow conceded three interception tries in last Saturday’s home defeat against much-fancied Old Halesonians.

Irish said: “The lads played well and can hold their heads high.

“There was a bit of frustration in the dressing room after the match. But the boys were talking about the Whitchurch game soon after the final whistle.

“Their focus is on beating Whitchurch and they will certainly be up for it.”

Ludlow had the early pressure in last Saturday’s match against Old Halesonians and Will Norton kicked the hosts 3-0 ahead.

“The play was going our way until they made an interception and grew in confidence,” said Irish.

“They scored three interception tries which gave an unfair reflection of the match.

“Dan Rawlings was held up over the line and we had two interceptions of our own which were called back for off-side.

“I felt that two of their interceptions were offside and I did speak to the referee about it after the game.

“They are a good side and I am disappointed because people will wrongly think that we got well beaten.”

Irish is preparing for Saturday’s derby at The Linney and hopes that Sam Wilkes and Darren Chard recover from knocks.

“There’s a lunch for 70 people before the game and it’s a big local derby,” he said. “I am sure the players won’t need much motivating.”