LUDLOW RFC claimed a much-needed bonus-point victory with a 37-22 win over Kidderminster in Midlands One West but were made to work hard for it as the visitors belied their lowly position.

Bottom side Kidderminster had lost each of their ten league games this season and that ultimately became 11 but they gave Ludlow a real fright by leading 17-14 at the interval.

It all looked good for Ludlow at the start as Charlie Doyle attacked from the back of the scrum to touch down beside the posts.

When Will Sparrow hacked ahead, won the race to dot down and added the conversion, Ludlow seemed to be sitting pretty at 14-0 up.

But Kidderminster had different ideas as they twice drove over from lineouts and scored an excellent try in between to turn the game on its head and lead by three.

Ludlow coach Mikey Jones read the riot act during the interval and Sparrow kicked three quick second-half penalties to put the hosts 23-17 up.

Jack Small went over from a lineout to make it 30-17 and although Kidderminster earned a losing bonus point with their fourth try, Ludlow sealed victory as Sparrow again crossed and converted.

Ludlow seconds were forced to play among themselves after Kidderminster cancelled their Midlands Reserve League fixture at short notice.

Both Ludlow teams stood for a minute’s silence before their game in memory of life member David Carloss who died at his home in Reigate, Surrey, last Tuesday.

David, 82, served the club as a player in the 1960s and 1970s, then as a committee member and an ever-present supporter until he moved to Surrey two years ago to be nearer to his son.