MANAGER Phil Evans admitted to being “surprised and gutted” by Woofferton’s inability to raise a team for Saturday’s clash with Ledbury Town Reserves.

The Blues have been docked three Herefordshire League Division One points as a result of the no-show.

Evans explained a combination of circumstances had led to the postponement and the issue was set to be addressed at training on Wednesday.

But the Brimfield boss foresaw no underlying issues that would prevent Woofferton from returning to action at Ludlow Colts on Saturday (2pm).

“We had a lot of injuries and from what I’ve heard, a few were ill as well,” said Evans. “I know some of the lads have been working away too and to be honest, I haven’t got hold of everyone yet.

“It was the first time it has happened to me. I was surprised and gutted and tried to phone as many players as possible in order to get the game on.”

Mark Boucker’s brace and a goal for Keiran Fish saw Tenbury Town take advantage with a 3-1 win at Holme Lacy reserves. Darren Worthington’s men now have a five-point cushion at the summit ahead of their top-two clash at Ledbury Reserves on Saturday (2pm).

An own goal followed by Richard Groom’s double saw Church Stretton scale the Mercian League summit with a 3-1 win over Childs Ercall.

Clee Hill United are seventh and just five points off the top after their 2-0 win at Hodnet thanks to Craig Breakwell and Liam Whitbread.

Aaron Hodge’s double fired Craven Arms Town to a 2-1 win over Whitchurch Alport Juniors, while Brown Clee drew 2-2 with St George’s United.

In the rugby, coach Norman Stalker insisted no one would get close to Ludlow again this season if they can reproduce their second-half showing at title rivals Burntwood.

Ludlow lost for the first time in Midlands Three West (North) this season, going down 30-28 in dramatic circumstances in Staffordshire.

Having been 22-0 down midway through the first half, tries from Sam Wilkes and Rhys Perkins (2) got Ludlow back in contention.

Will Norton kicked the visitors ahead but back came Burntwood with an unconverted try. Norton made it 28-27 to Ludlow late on but the hosts landed a last-ditch penalty to snaffle victory.

The defeat reduced to two points Ludlow’s advantage over Burntwood and third-placed Cleobury Mortimer, who beat Edwardians 52-24, but Stalker remains optimistic.

“I was not disappointed other than a few aspects of our play,” he said. “It was a fabulous game of rugby that would not have looked out of place two levels above.

“Burntwood were the best side we have faced this season by far. They were better than Cleobury and blew us away early on.

“But we looked just as good in the second half and if we can keep producing that standard then I cannot see anyone being able to live with us.”

In Midlands Four West (North), bottom-of-the-table Church Stretton granted Yardley & District a walkover. It was the second league match Samurai have forfeited this season.