Ludlow 9 Dixonians 6

More than 100 former officials and players attended a lunch at The Linney, and a narrow 9-6 victory over Dixonians really got the party started.

The victory took Ludlow into third place in the table and director of rugby Phil Norton was delighted to record a vital triumph.

"They started the stronger and we didn't have enough territory in the first half, but we forced our way back into the game and dominated much of the second half," said Norton.

Two early penalties gave Dixonians an early 6-0 lead, but the advantage was halved when Will Norton was successful with a kick of his own as half-time approached.

Ludlow maintained the pressure for much of the second period and, while a try proved elusive, they put their noses in front with two further penalties from Norton.

The second of those proved the signal for late pressure from the visitors - but Ludlow held firm.

Shrewsbury were the other Shropshire winners in that division, their 20-3 victory at basement club Ashbourne opening crucial breathing space between themselves and the foot of the table.

The Sundorne Castle men led 8-3 at the interval thanks to a successful Mattie Morris penalty and a try from JJ Lowry-Herz, while

Ashbourne's only success came from a penalty.

Shrewsbury remained on the front foot after the break and Bobby Derbyshire and Andrew Swann each crossed the line for a try, one of which was converted by Morris, to seal the victory.

"We lost our first two games to Dixonians and Lichfield and had a two point deduction (for fielding an ineligible player)," said spokesman Morris.

"But since then we have had some good victories and we are pleased."

Bridgnorth found title-chasing Lichfield too strong, but put up a good account of themselves before going down 17-3.

Chris Cadwallader scored the only Bridgnorth points with a penalty, while the visitors ran in two tries, a penalty and a conversion.

"Chris hit the post with two other penalties so we were in the game for long periods and it was pleasing we competed well against a team who are right up there," said chairman of selectors Simon Pennington.