LUDLOW Hockey Club’s men’s first XI stretched their unbeaten run to three games as a comfortable 5-3 win over Aldridge & Walsall moved them up to sixth in West Midlands One.

Ludlow stormed into a 3-0 lead and although the visitors pulled back to 3-2, the hosts stepped up a gear to ease to victory as Craig Heath (2), Brendan Pratt, Tom Blount and Andy Richards netted.

“It was a good result and a win is a win, especially with the bad start to the season we’d had” said skipper Sam Pratt, whose side had lost their opening two games.

“It was a good overall performance and we moved the ball around quickly, although there are still areas to improve on and we probably shouldn’t have let in three goals.”

Next up, Ludlow visit somewhat of an unknown quantity in a Tamworth side, who were promoted from the division below as runners-up.

“We haven’t played them for about five or six years,” added Pratt. “It will be a tough game but nothing that we can’t handle and I can’t see why we can’t go there and get a win.”

Ludlow seconds, meanwhile, sit third-bottom of North West Four after a 3-0 loss at Old Wulfrunians fifths.