HANDING out a few metaphorical bloody noses to the title chasers would complete a pretty awesome first season back in Midlands One West, admits head coach Mikey Jones.

Ludlow climbed into the top five – Jones’ stated aim for the campaign – as a 33-12 victory at lowly Droitwich broke a seven-game losing streak on their travels.

Tries for Tom Amphlett, Joe Doyle, Charlie Doyle, Rhys Perkins and Will Hodnett, plus four Will Sparrow conversions, gave Ludlow a comfortable win.

Ludlow have lost just once at The Linney all season but their remaining home games are against the three sides chasing the title – Kenilworth, leaders Lichfield and, this Saturday, Dudley Kingswinford.

Jones said: “Taking on these top sides, the boys know this season is far from done. We want to start targeting these sides and putting pressure on them. I think we will surprise some of the top four.

“Dudley have gone off the boil a bit, losing three of their last four so we will try to get into them early on – all the pressure is on them as they are the ones who have slipped from top to second.

“We have got into fifth position but if our away form had been better we would be third or fourth so we know we can compete in and around these positions.

“I will be challenging the players to win these three home games, or if not three then two – if we can beat the top sides it will give the lads confidence and show them what we can achieve next season.”

Elsewhere, Clee Hill regained top spot in Midlands Four West North and warmed up for Saturday’s huge top-two clash with Aldridge by walloping Warley 62-5.

Cleobury Mortimer’s Midlands Three West North game at Handsworth was postponed and Tenbury lost 13-5 at Harbury in Midlands Four West South.