Victory for Bridgnorth All Blacks

Bridgnorth remain third in Midlands Three West (North) after a classy display that saw them defeat Dixonians 14-7.

The All Blacks did most of the damage in the first half, racking up an 11-0 lead thanks to a strong performance by a youthful back line with an average age of just 19.

They took the lead when a penalty was questioned by a petulant Dixonians player and the extra 10 yards gained allowed Matt Farrington to open his account with the boot.

Farrington then launched a great break and released Rick Wilde to score the first try, before kicking his second penalty of the afternoon.

Warren Harding had to go off after a high tackle left him feeling groggy, and John Watson had to depart early too, as the away side came back with a converted try.

But Farrington converted another penalty from the touchline to seal the win.

"The game turned out to be more exciting than some of the internationals played on Saturday," said spokesman Bob Turner.

"It was a good all-round performance from Bridgnorth. Cliff Tomkinson led from the front and the pack did well against powerful opponents, but the players and coaches' choice for man of the match was Jim McGettrick for his non-stop graft and fearless tackling."

Ludlow's hopes of a top half finish were boosted as they won 41-20 away at Wednesbury – though they had to do it the hard way.

They were 13-5 down at the break but found their feet in the second period to run up a comfortable win.

There were tries for Tom Rawlings (2), Joe Doyle (2), Simon Collins and Ed McFarland. Doyle also kicked four conversions and a penalty in a good all-round display.

"We were playing up the hill and into the wind in the first half but there were still a few harsh words said at half-time," skipper Jake Parkes revealed.

By Chris Hudson