LUDLOW RFC ran in nine tries to thrash Old Halesonians 55-17 and go fourth in Midlands One West.

Mark Williams scored a hat-trick, Matt Davies a brace, while Joe Doyle, Rhys Perkins, Tom Perkins and a penalty try completed the scoring.

Ludlow visit third-placed Stoke this Saturday and coach Mikey Jones said: “We wanted to put a marker down and we did. But if we really want to push for the top three, we must win at Stoke.”

In Midlands Three West North, Clee Hill lost 14-5 at Handsworth while Cleobury Mortimer conceded their trip to leaders Edwardians.

On the hockey field, Ludlow men’s firsts drew 1-1 with Sutton Coldfield thanks to a late Brendan Pratt goal but the seconds lost 5-3 at Old Wulfrunians despite Simon Vickers, Jasper Kenchington and Sebastian Rees netting.