LUDLOW RFC can clinch the Midlands Two West North title with two games to spare at home to Stafford this weekend after putting Spartans to the sword.

A 47-22 win stretched Ludlow’s advantage over second-placed Tamworth to 11 points – with just 15 left to play for – as they close in on a return to Midlands One for the first time since 2013.

A bonus-point victory over second-bottom Stafford at The Linney would seal the title and turn the following weekend’s trip to Tamworth into a promotion party.

Head coach Mikey Jones said: “The crowds have been quite big this season and hopefully there will be another big turnout to cheer us on to the title.

“We’ve spoken about keeping the momentum going into next season – we wanted 20 points from the final four games. We’ve got five already, now we want the other 15.”

Visitors Stafford, though, upset fifth-placed Leek last Saturday and Jones warned: “They are scrapping for their lives so they won’t be coming to lie down and let us have a party.”

Ludlow stormed into a 33-0 interval lead at Spartans, helped by the advantage of the wind and slope.

Dan Ruell set up Tom Amphlett for the opening try with a sublime pass after just five minutes before scoring the second himself after a mazy run.

Will Hodnett crashed over in the corner, Ben Black cut a lovely line to score under the posts and Ben Chamberlain added Ludlow’s fifth try on the stroke of half-time, Hodnett converting four of the five.

Two Spartans tries and a penalty narrowed the gap to 33-15 after the break but captain Matt Davies eased any nerves with the sixth try, converted by Hodnett.

Spartans notched a penalty try but Hodnett rounded off the scoring with a fine interception score and conversion.

Ludlow seconds, meanwhile, won 37-17 at Bridgnorth.