Ludlow 66 pts Aston Old Edwardians 7 pts

SPOKESMAN Phil Norton is warning Ludlow Rugby Club’s players to expect a battle at relegation-threatened Willenhall this Saturday.

Joe Doyle bagged a hat-trick and the impressive Mark Williams scored a brace as Ludlow rounded off their home campaign with a hammering of winless whipping boys Aston Old Edwardians.

But Norton said: “It will be a tough game for us because Willenhall have got a very big set of forwards. They are second-bottom in the league and are fighting for their lives.”

He added: “We might have a few people missing because we draw our players from a farming community and there are some who are lambing. Hopefully, they will be March lambers and they will be free to play until the end of the season.”

Rhys Evans twisted his ankle last weekend but Norton hopes he will be fit for this weekend’s trip.

Ludlow have just three Midlands Two West (North) matches remaining. They also travel to Moseley Oak before visiting Shropshire rivals Bridgnorth.

Norton said: “It was very pleasing to finish off the season at home on a high note against Aston. We had achieved a bonus-point win by half-time.”

Ludlow opened their account in the 15th minute when Matt Wikes brough through to score.

Doyle, Jim Alderson and Will Norton all crossed before the interval, and Will Sparrow kicked three conversions, as Ludlow led 26-0 at the break.

Ludlow led 47-0 when the strugglers scored their only converted try.

Doyle, Bryn Rees and Mark Williams all crossed before Doyle completed his treble, Williams notched his second try and Rhys Evans came off the score.

Norton said: “Aston were only to going to score from maul but they did have a period of pressure for around 20 minutes in the second half.

“Doyle, with his three tries, was outstanding and Mark Williams played very well.

“I just feel that, with the forwards, we needed to win a bit more ball.”

Meanwhile, promotion-chasing Clee Hill have an important home clash this Saturday at the top of Midlands Four West (North).

The second-placed Hillmen host table-topping Harborne.

Matt Bowen’s men are just two points ahead of third-placed Cannock.