LUDLOW coach Norman Stalker insists the Linneymen will be stronger for the experience of being relegated from Midlands 2 West (North).

D-Day saw Ludlow beaten 41-30 in an absorbing contest at home to Stourbridge Lions last Saturday - but they went down with their heads held high.

Fellow strugglers Stafford won 39-15 at Moseley Oak to condemn Ludlow to the drop alongside Tamworth, but it was a close-run thing.

Ludlow were 36-30 down and battering Stourbridge in the dying seconds, only to be harshly penalised and then concede a late try from a line-out.

Stalker said: “The lads were brilliant and fought so hard so they were gutted at the end.

"We pushed a side who finished fourth in the table right to the very end and could so easily have snatched it.

"We had to throw caution to the wind and it was an exciting finish, but ultimately a deflating one too.

“It was probably a year too soon in this division for such a young and inconsistent side but they have gelled together and since Christmas have performed very well.

"It’s a pity we couldn’t have performed like that in the first half of the season but I think the experience will have benefited the whole side.

“We will have the rest of the month off and then start training once a week in May and June, before stepping it up to two nights in July and August.

"We will be both fit and smart for next season.”

Stourbridge hit Ludlow hard from the start to pile on the points, but the home side showed great character to stay in the game. Will Sparrow accounted for 25 of their points from two tries, three conversions and three penalties while the impressive Mark Williams also touched down.

Stalker said: “Mark Williams took a real battering at fly-half and he was immense, but there were so many good performances all over the field. It was a terrific display.”

Ludlow will now have tasty local derbies with Clee Hill and newly promoted Cleobury Mortimer in Midlands 3 West (North) next season, with the regional divisions set to be reorganised from 2016-2017.

Stalker added: “I am sure there will be one or two local clubs who will want to turn us over next season but I believe we will be very strong in the lower division. Time will tell whether I am right or not.”