NORMAN Stalker pulled no punches after Ludlow’s shock setback at Harborne and warned any repeat could see their title hopes hit the canvas.

The coach said the Midlands Three West (North) leaders had “strolled around” during the opening quarter of a match they went on to lose 12-7.

It also ended Ludlow’s hopes of glory in the North Midlands Shield Plate with the clash acting as a double header.

The visitors were 12 down at the interval and although Russell Jones crossed the whitewash with Will Sparrow converting, second-half dominance counted for little as Mark Williams was bundled into touch just shy of the line during the final play.

“We were well beaten and outfought from start to finish,” said Stalker. “You cannot go into league games expecting to win. We strolled around for the first 20-or-so minutes and they didn’t.

“The second half was completely dominated by us but we paid the price for not approaching the match in the right manner.

“We had not been great at Edwardians the week before and my biggest fear was realised in that complacency ended up costing us. We were caught cold and didn’t deserve our losing bonus point.

“The lads were suitably shell-shocked at the end. Our destiny is still in our control but that cannot happen again.

“With us having a semi-final place to play for as well, we should have gone into it with far greater desire but we have to keep things in perspective.

“It is not a disaster and we just have to make sure we get straight back at it at Willenhall on Saturday.”

Second-placed Cleobury Mortimer closed the gap to three points by beating Cannock 33-13.

Bishop’s Castle lost 29-0 at home to Yardley & District, while Church Stretton were beaten 24-10 by Aston Old Edwardians. Both remain embroiled in the battle to stay in Midlands Four West (North).