TENBURY RFC skipper Ed Gough praised his side’s defensive qualities after they ended Midlands Five West (North) leaders Essington's perfect start to the season.

And their 16-5 win means that, after three straight wins in the league, the captain believes the team has turned a corner and can be a match for anyone.

Claude Celton was handed the kicking duties and didn’t disappoint, slotting over an early penalty as Tenbury piled on the pressure from the start.

Player-coach Andy Black dotted down following a catch and drive move soon afterwards and Celton’s conversion and a further penalty steered the visitors into a 13-0 lead only for the hosts to bag a try just before the interval.

Essington had won their opening ten matches and pushed for a way back into the contest throughout the second period only to be kept at bay by some outstanding defence.

And in the end it was Tenbury who added the only points of the half with Celton slotting over his third penalty.

Gough said: “It was an excellent display particularly as we were missing a few players.

“Blacker [Andy Black] was playing at no8 and was exceptional. Claude took over the kicking and didn’t miss one all afternoon and Ricky Evans made a very good debut on the wing.

“Defensively we were excellent. It’s OK beating teams like Stourport and Chaddesley who didn’t really trouble us. But Essington threw everything at us including the kitchen sink but they just kept getting marched back by our lads.”

Tenbury have another tough test this weekend when they play host to neighbours Greyhound (ko 2.15pm) who sit one place above them in the table.

Gough added: “It’s always good to play a derby game so we’re looking forward to this one. We’re building some momentum and we really believe we’ve turned a bit of a corner.”

In Midlands Three West (North), Ludlow RFC kept tabs on league leaders Tamworth thanks to a 35-19 win at home to Edwardians.

And it included a hat-trick for full-back Will Sparrow to ensure his side remained within ten points of the top.

It was the visitors who chalked up the first points with a converted try but Ludlow bounced back in style with three excellent scores before the break for a 21-7 lead. Sparrow and fly-half Mark Williams bagged impressive solo efforts with centre Jack Lines rounding off an excellent passing move.

Full-back Sparrow struck again early in the second half to wrap up the bonus before Edwardians hit back with two tries of their own.

And it was while the visitors pressed for their own fourth try bonus that Sparrow kicked upfield to complete his hat-trick.

Ludlow are at home again this week when they host Willenhall (ko 2.15pm). And head coach Norman Stalker will be hoping for a repeat of when they met earlier in the season – an emphatic 62-28 victory.