Shrewsbury facing last day battle for survival

Ludlow claimed a 40-27 victory in a high-scoring Shropshire derby to leave Shrewsbury in the thick of a Midlands Two West (North) relegation scrap.

A warm day at The Linney made conditions difficult for both sides, and defences certainly struggled as the tries mounted.

Will Norton for Ludlow and Mattie Morris for Shrewsbury traded two penalties each in a cagey opening.

A Joe Doyle try converted by Norton put the hosts in front for a third time, but debutant Colt Chris Perry then replied – Morris adding the extras as Shrewsbury drew level again.

But Dan Rawlings added a third try, Norton converting again, as Ludlow moved ahead at the break.

Two quick tries in the second period for Gareth Edwards and Tom Waters put Ludlow in control, but Shrewsbury refused to throw in the towel.

They responded with two converted tries, the first from Andrew Swann and the second a super solo effort from Dan Harrison, to get back in the game, trailing 30-27.

But Ludlow held their nerve, Norton adding another penalty before converting a late try by Waters.

"I never felt we were in danger of losing, but it was close at one stage," said Ludlow spokesman Phil Norton.

"It was quite hot, and it takes a fair bit to hold your defensive line when it's like that."

Shrewsbury fly-half Morris added: "We were always playing catch-up rugby and we could never get our noses in front. We need to beat Dixonians next week now if we are going to stay up."

Bridgnorth climbed up to seventh place on the back of a 26-10 win over Stafford at the Edgar Davies Ground.

Stafford opened the scoring with a converted try, but they were back in it when Ricky Wilde went over to put them on the board.

Craig Thomas added a second, Marr Farrington converting to make it 12-7 at half-time.

The visitors kicked a penalty to close the gap, but Bridgnorth moved clear as former skipper Mike Preece went over and Farrington converted.

Danny Markevics rounded off the scoring with another try late on, Farrington converting again.