LUDLOW coach Norman Stalker labelled last Saturday’s thrashing at Old Saltleians as ‘the worst performance of the season’.

The Linneymen were humbled 69-5 in Midlands 2 (North) which does them no favours in their battle to stay in the division.

“I’ve got to try and find out why we were so poor in the first 40 minutes,” said Stalker.

“We simply froze.”

Ludlow found themselves trailing 43-0 at the interval and Stalker admitted that he feared his side might be on the wrong end of a three figure scoreline.

“There was a clear gap in quality between the two sides, but even that doesn’t account for the type of performance we put in during the first 40 minutes,” he said.

“We didn’t offer any competition and I feared we might be on the end of a very big defeat.”

Despite the manor of the loss, Stalker is backing his young side to learn from the loss.

“It’s not about blaming players, it’s about finding out why we put in that kind of performance and making sure we don’t do it again,” said Stalker.

“We’ve suffered big defeats before this season and each time the players have stood firm."

Ludlow’s defeat leaves them perched just one point above second from bottom Stafford, who defeated Camp Hill 13-atst Saturday

“We can’t worry about what Stafford do,” said Stalker.

“Our safety is still in our own hands.

“We’ve got four training sessions between now and our next game which gives us plenty of time to get over the defeat. My players are young, but they are tough, I am sure they can rise to the challenge.”

The middle match of the three remaining games this season sees Ludlow travel to Stafford, and Stalker is aiming to go there with their noses still in front.

“We’ve got Shrewsbury next, we’ve already beaten them this season so we will be confident we can get something it and stay ahead of Stafford," said Stalker.

In Midlands 3 West (North), Clee Hill suffered a 28-19 loss at Edwardians, which keeps them in eight place.

Clee Hill are next in action on March 21 when they take on Handsworth at Tenbury Road. Bishop’s Castle also suffered a defeat in their Midlands 4 West (North) match against Rugeley, finishing on the wrong end of a 22-10 scoreline. It was their third defeat in a row, but they remain in sixth place.

Next up for Castle is a home match against Telford Hornets on March 21.

Church Stretton, meanwhile, host Whitchurch 3rd this Saturday a friendly.