LUDLOW was once again threw away a lead as they bowed out of the Midlands Intermediate Cup against Old Yardleians.

Norman Stalker's team were 30-19 up against their Solihull opponents, but the away side scored a converted try in the last minute to win the game 31-30.

This is the second week in succession that Ludlow have let a lead slip after they lost 32-25 to Veseyans in Midlands Two West (North) after winning 17-0.

"We are disappointed with the end result and it reflects where we are at the moment," said Stalker.

"We lost a bit of composure, but you have to remember that they are a young group.

"We did some silly things, but it is hard to be too critical of them because I have told them to be adventurous.

"On Saturday, we were missing Will Armitage and Matt Wilkes and they are quite influential players.

"I was also annoyed with the referee because my captain went down with what looked like a head injury.

"My players were looking at him, so missed a couple of tackles and they went o our 22 before he stopped play.

"They ended up having possession instead of us half-way down the pitch.

"With two minutes to go, their forwards got it right and they scored in the last minute."

Stalker added he was pleased with Liam O'Neill's performance, which included an excellent try and a penalty.

Jim Alderson and Mark Williams got Ludlow's other tries, with Will Norton adding two conversions and a penalty.

Ludlow are home to Bridgnorth in Midlands Two West (North) this Saturday.

Cleobury maintained their excellent start to the season by thrashing Birmingham Exiles 61-0 in the first round of the Midlands Junior Vase.

Dave Shorter grabbed three tires, with Josh Phillips and Dave Leache getting two apiece.

John Hulland and Paul Hulland also went over the line in a game that was stopped after 65 minutes.

"To be honest, it wasn't a great performance because we were sloppy at times," said Cleobury captain Will Bache.

Cleobury entertain Yardley this Saturday in Midlands Four West (North) as part of a vice-president's day at Mortimer Park.

Bishops Castle are also through to the next round after beating Warley 22-10.

Centre Ben Davies grabbed two tries with Jack Holloway and Pete Beavan also going over the line.

Castle travel to Bromyard this Saturday in a Midlands Four West (North) encounter.

"It will be a tough game, but we are unbeaten this season so we'll be looking for the win," said captain Holloway.

Church Stretton are out of the vase after losing 24-3 to Cannock, with their points coming from a Tim Downes a penalty.

Tenbury's home friendly against Clee Hill was called off.