LUDLOW missed a golden opportunity to move further clearer of danger by coming unstuck against bottom club Tamworth in Midlands 2 West (North).

The Linneymen went into the game on the back of a two-game winning run, which included beating fellow strugglers Stafford.

But they could muster a third consecutive win much to the disappointment of club stalwart Phil Norton.

"It was always going to be difficult going to Tamworth because they were targetting us as a game they could win," said Norton.

"It was disappointing, particularly after two wins, because we were hoping to go away and get a good result which would have put is in a good situation before the New Year.

"We wanted to consolidate those two wins against Shrewsbury and Stafford and we lost a bonus point.

"They had the conditions in their favour in the first half, but the wind dropped in the second half.

"They then scored two tries which was difficult for us."

Ludlow had to play in a howling gale in the first, which made life difficult for them.

Tamworth opened up a 14-0 lead within the first 10 minutes before Sam Thomas scored a try for Ludlow to reduce the deficit.

But another try for the home side shortly before the break took it to 19-5.

A converted try in the second half ensured Tamworth would get a bonus point for scoring four tries, before Rhys Evans crashed over for Ludlow with 10 minutes to go.

This Saturday, Ludlow travel to Tenbury for a traditional social game before resuming their league campaign against Veseyans on January 10.

Veseyans are just one place above Ludlow in the league table.

"That is a big game because if we're able to beat them at home, then it gives us a bit of breathing space," said Norton.