Ludlow go top with half-century of points

They sit two points clear of previous leaders Tamworth, who suffered a surprise first defeat of the season with a heavy 47-7 loss at Crewe and Nantwich.

Ludlow's early scores all came through the backs whose handling on a wet afternoon looked like the training park on a sunny day.

Keiron Pinches, at fly-half, pulled the strings, varying his distribution beautifully and deservedly claiming the man of the match award.

Ludlow wing Will Sparrow looked like he might get the team off the mark but, hauled down a few metres from the line, made a superb offload for fullback Joe Doyle to score in the corner. Sparrow added the conversion before four minutes were on the clock.

That pattern was oft repeated as, having won quick ball, Ludlow flung it wide with both forwards and backs combining beautifully to mystify the Spartans defence.

By half-time, Ludlow had the try bonus point in the bag with the score at 33-0 thanks to further tries from Jim Alderson, Jack lines, Charlie Doyle and prop Theo Hodnett, who crashed over under the posts.

Ludlow emptied the subs’ bench after half-time and Ben Chamberlain brought new energy to crash over following a tremendous surge from captain Matt Davies.

Spartans rallied and increased their line speed to halt Ludlow's progress and were eventually rewarded with a converted try to bring the score to 40-7.

But Ludlow's pressure was relentless - they constantly sought quick ball and rewarded a big crowd with further tries from Jack Small and Sparrow.

Sparrow converted all but one try to take his tally for the day to 19 points for Ludlow, who visit struggling Stafford this Saturday hoping to strengthen their grip on top spot.

• Ludlow seconds only had 14 men available for the reverse encounter but put up a spirited fight in a 29-12 away defeat. Tom Amphlett and Gavin Duggan scored their tries with Ben Weller adding a conversion. Ludlow remain second in the Midlands Reserve League Division Three.