Eager Ludlow ready to make the step up

Head coach Scott Sturdy has been pleased with pre-season, and is hoping for more luck with injuries after a glut of problems last season, writes Sam Bayliss.

He said: “It’s gone reasonably well. It’s all coming together nicely. Last season we were consistently missing 10-12 players through injury, including our two top try scorers.”

Sturdy is confident that the return of the club’s injured players, as well as some new arrivals the club can help them achieve their promotion goal.

‘‘We’ve got a strong squad, with a lot more depth. “We’re going to need it to achieve our main aim.”

The summer has seen Jack Furnival return to the club, with Paul Jones and Australian Callum Mokarka also checking in.

Cleobury will be keen to make a good start having stepped up from Midlands 3 West North last season.

Another newly-promoted side, Ludlow, hope to move up a gear when they take on Spartans.

With two former Lucton players, Mikey Jones and Joe Doyle, appointed as coaches during the off season Ludlow have attracted several promising new youngsters to their squad and training sessions have been well attended.

A promising 35-12 win over Luctonians second team and a good showing against a well-drilled Newtown squad, means the squad have high hopes of a decent season although Spartans will be a tough first fixture.

“The lads are ready to go. Pre-season has been good with lots of players available and more to come when the farming is less hectic,” said coach Jones.

“Judging by some of Spartans’ reports this game will be a tough one. We are still missing a few players due to honeymoon, cricket and work commitments but we are confident in the style of game we play and the hard ground conditions will suit our running game.

“The lads are buzzing to get out there and play.”