LUDLOW'S hopes of claiming a third straight win for the first time this season were dashed at Veseyans as the home side edged their way to a 29-21 victory in Midlands Two West (North).

The visitors had looked to be heading for glory but a yellow card to key player Will Norton in the final stages prompted a late rally from the home side, who chalked up two tries against their depleted opponents.

Ludlow were also guilty of giving away too many penalties.

Straight from the start, the visitors were pushing the host pack backwards – a total contrast to when the sides met earlier in the season – but advantage at the scrum too often was nullified by penalty infringements as the visitors were caught offside.

Veseyans bagged the opening try of the game before Ludlow, whose backs looked full of promise in attack, then put together a sublime move.

Will Sparrow made the initial break and rounded his opposite number before passing inside to Rhys Perks, who found Joe Doyle in space on his inside to dot down under the posts.

Sparrow did slot over a penalty but the home side led 10-8 at the break thanks to a try just before the interval.

Veseyans looked set to stretch that advantage at the start of the second half, only for Sparrow to intercept a pass inside his own 22 and make good ground before putting Doyle away for his second score of the game.

Sparrow’s conversion handed Ludlow a 15-10 lead.

But the lead wasn’t to last.

Norton, who was playing as a makeshift back row, was sin binned and while he was off the pitch, Veseyans twice crossed the line, slotting over the conversion each time.

A Sparrow penalty gave brief hope as it edged Ludlow to within seven points.

But the Birmingham-based side finished the stronger and ran in their fifth try of the game five minutes from the end to claim maximum points and climb above their Shropshire visitors.

It was also a disappointing day for Ludlow’s league neighbours Cleobury Mortimer, who were beaten 29-23 at home by rivals Kidderminster.

Alex Brazier slotted over two first half penalties before the home side chalked up three second half tries through Harry Parker, Paul Hulland and Josh Winfield.

In Midlands Four West (North), Clee Hill lost 36-8 at Yardley & District with Craig Breakwell scoring the visitors’ try.

Elsewhere in the division, Church Stretton are still looking for their first win after losing 54-26 at Aston Old Edwardians.

This weekend sees Ludlow at home to Newcastle (Staffs) and Clee Hill at home to Veseyans while Church Stretton take on Market Drayton.

In Midlands Five West (North), Bishop's Castle are home to Gnosall.