LUDLOW Ladies picked up their first win of the Shropshire Hockey League season last weekend, and skipper Julie Chamberlain says it’s proof they are going in the right direction.

A tough start to the campaign saw Ludlow suffer heavy defeats in their opening three games, including an 11-0 home loss to leaders Bridgnorth.

However, since then, they have lost just once in their past four games, picking up two draws to move off the foot of the table before Saturday’s superb 2-0 win over Telford and Wrekin thirds.

Telford had beaten Ludlow 6-1 on the opening day of the season and captain Chamberlain believes winning the reverse fixture shows how far her team has come.

“Ludlow, each week, are getting stronger and playing some nice hockey,” said Chamberlain.

“Lots have been coming to training so we can train as a team and put things we practice into the game. I have this season got a core of eight ladies that train and play every week.

“This season I also have a pitch side coach (Amanda Baylie) which has made a massive difference.”

Against Telford, Ludlow weathered an early storm before going ahead on 15 minutes as Helen Braden fed Chamberlain from a short corner and her shot was flicked home by Sid Allsop.

Buoyed by that, Ludlow bossed the second period and sealed the points through Amy Cookson, with Chamberlain claiming the player of the match award.

Elsewhere, a fifth win on the spin for Ludlow men’s first XI moved them up to third in the West Midlands League Division One as they triumphed 5-2 at home to Khalsa Leamington.