Rugby: Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Bridgnorth results

New recruit Robin Le Cocq had an immediate impact as Shrewsbury took another giant step towards safety in Midlands Two West (North).

The openside flanker moved to the Sundorne Castle club from Whitchurch in the wake of the departure of coach Ginge Wills.

And Le Cocq, who is also a student at Harper Adams University, scored one of two tries as Shrewsbury were 21-13 winners at bottom club Stourbridge Lions.

"For Robin to have joined us is a big boost," said Shrewsbury captain Simon Evitts.

"He has got North Midlands experience, is an outstanding player and fits in well with how we try to play."

Le Cocq scored the try in a tight first half, Chris Perry also adding two penalties to give Shrewsbury an 11-10 half-time lead.

A penalty try gave Shrewsbury further breathing space after the break with Perry adding the conversion and a penalty.

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Ludlow continue to lead the way after grinding out a 10-3 triumph at Leek in awful conditions.

Full back Will Green scored the first half try to give the visitors a 5-3 half-time lead.

And the game was put beyond doubt when Tom Waters won the chase from a kick forward to touch down.

"It was a very good result because there was persistent rain and the pitch resembled a mud bath," said spokesman Phil Norton.

Ludlow's lead at the top has been whittled down to three points with second placed Old Saltleians earning a bonus point in their 22-7 win at Willenhall.

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Bridgnorth are keeping up their pursuit of the top two, beating Stoke-on-Trent 20-10 to make it six wins in a row.

Chris Gaten crossed the line first and they also benefited from a second half penalty try, Dan Markevics kicked two conversions and two penalties.

"It was an incredibly hard game and we're delighted with the win," said captain Gareth Bladen.

"To seal the points with a last minute penalty was brilliant."

The win was marred somewhat by a nasty neck injury for second rower John Watson, who has now been told to quit the game as a result.

By JAMES GARRISON