LUDLOW’S ladies were held to a 1-1 draw at home in he Marches League to a Bishop’s Castle side that started with just nine players.

The hosts made most of the early running but could only find a way through after Castle had got their full side on to the pitch. It took an incisive team move to break the deadlock with Claire Beddow on hand to finish emphatically.

Both sides attacked with purpose and Ludlow keeper Sam Gardner produced some heroic saves but having equalised, Bishop’s Castle upped the ante.

Ludlow were hanging on towards the end but were worthy of the draw having looked dangerous on the break.

There were mixed fortunes for Tenbury’s ladies with the first team losing 3-2 at Bromsgrove and the seconds beating Worcester V 4-1.

Tenbury were caught off guard by a quick break after a nip-and-tuck start and, despite going close through Annette Burgoyne, conceded a quick second.

The tide turned when Lyndsey Aldridge-Bufton halved the deficit from a penalty corner with Vicky Jones then restoring parity with a fine solo effort.

Tenbury went on to dominate the second half but, having failed to take advantage, there was a sting in the tail as Bromsgrove netted the winner from a penalty corner of their own.

Abi Brown registered a hat-trick for the seconds with Lisa Stokes also on the score-sheet.

Max Gibbons has this year racing in the colours of Ludlow Brewery in the Welsh Cyclo cross league.

Max has currently gained six wins and one third place in the league to be currently leading the series overall in the Junior category.

Max is also racing the National series which is country-wide with this weekend travelling to Ipswich.

On December 11, the national series will at Sundorne in Shrewsbury for the final round.