Rugby: Relegation fear for Shrewsbury after Tamworth defeat

Shrewsbury remain deep in relegation trouble in Midlands Two West (North) after succumbing to a 27-12 defeat at Tamworth.

The Sundorne Castle outfit were playing catch-up from the outset as they conceded two early tries and trailed 12-0 at half-time.

They did threaten a second half recovery with two scores - one from JJ Lowrie-Herz and the other a penalty try - but the home side ran out comfortable winners after adding 15 more points after the break.

"It was disappointing because we had heard from other sides that Tamworth were a side that like to catch-and-drive from line-outs and that's where the first two tries came from," said captain Simon Evitts.

"The only positive was that I expected to come off the pitch and find out we had dropped a place or two in the table but that wasn't the case because of other results."

Shrewsbury are fourth from bottom in the table, three points clear of Dixonians.

Ludlow remain on course for championship glory in Midlands Two West (North).

But the south Shropshire side have seen their advantage at the top trimmed after a mighty struggle against basement boys Stourbridge Lions.

Ludlow eventually ran out 27-22 winners but a bonus point victory for second placed Old Saltleians at Stafford saw themcut the deficit at the top to just five points.

"It was a case of them performing well and us not playing as well as we can," said Ludlow spokesman Phil Norton. "But it is important to keep getting victories and that's what we did."

Ludlow opened the scoring when centre Tom Waters gathered his own chip through to cross the line.

Will Green added the conversion and a penalty to seemingly put Ludlow in control at 10-0. Stourbridge increased the pressure and were rewarded with a try and a penalty, but Ludlow were back in control at 17-8 when full-back Joe Doyle produced a superb individual try, Green adding the extras.

Two penalties from Stourbridge put the outcome back in the balance at the start of the second half but Ludlow were given crucial breathing space through a second fine score from Doyle, Green converting again.

Stourbridge gave themselves hope with a second try to make it 24-19 before Mark Williams sealed the victory for the leaders with a drop goal.

The home side grabbed a late penalty to earn a bonus point. Bridgnorth ran in seven tries as part of a stunning 39-7 win away at Aston Old Edwardians. Paul Markevics got two, while Warren Harding, Mike Preece, Lewis Pitcher, Ken Milkins and Liam Holland weighed in with one each. Dan Markevics kicked two conversions.

"It was very pleasing for the team," said skipper Gareth Bladen.

"A lot of hard work went in and it was great to come away with all five points.It looks like it's going to be a very exciting second half of the season," he added.

"We've got 10 games left but seven of those are at home and we're looking to take advantage of that."