COACH Norman Stalker has warned that his Ludlow RFC side must pick up another two wins if they are to avoid relegation after falling to a heavy loss against rivals Kidderminster.

The Linneymen went down 67-14 in Midlands 2 West (North) – their 13th defeat of the season.

“We were up against a very big Kidderminster pack," said Stalker.

"They ran in four tries in the last ten minutes, not because my side gave up, but because we can’t compete at that intensity for 80minutes yet.”

Stalker admits that, when he took on the role in July, it was a case of trying to survive during the first season.

“We always knew we would be up against it," he said.

"I’ve taken on a young squad of players and this first season was always about surviving.

"We’ve got to hang on in.”

Second-from-bottom Stafford made the weekend even worse for Stalker, as they ran out 32-21 winners over bottom of the table Tamworth.

That sees Stafford move level on points with Ludlow, with just six games left to play.

“We’ve got to beat Stafford and we’ve got to win another game as well if we are to give ourselves a chance of beating the drop," conceded Stalker.

Clee Hill lost captain Matt Bowen inside the opening 10 second following a freak accident that saw him break both his tibia and fibula.

Bowen was in collision with a Burntwood opponent in Midlands 3 West (North) moments after the game kicked off.

He now faces a lengthy lay-off and will be sidelined until next season.

To add to his woes, Clee Hill lost the game 17-15.

The game between Bishop's Castle and Cleobury Mortimer was postponed in Midlands 4 West (North), while Church Stretton bounced back in style by thrashing bottom club Birmingham Barbarians in Midlands 5 West (North 58-7.

Stretton lost their previous game against second placed Aldridge.

“It was important that we bounced back immediately from our defeat," said coach Jason Davis.

"“We’ve got a bit of a cushion at the top of the league, but we want to make sure we keep it.”