Richard King surges forward for Bridgnorth. Picture by James Watkins

Ludlow produced their “best performance of the season” after romping to a comfortable derby success at Bridgnorth.

The Linney men were 44-12 winners at the Edgar Davies Ground to move up to fourth in Midlands Two West (North).

“It was probably our strongest team and best performance of the season,” said director of rugby Phil Norton.

“Bridgnorth had their moments but it was a great effort from the lads.”

There was little to choose between the sides in the early stages with Joe Doyle scoring for Ludlow, converted by Will Norton, and Paul Markevics replying with an unconverted score.

But it was Ludlow who took control for the remainder of the first half, opening up a 27-5 lead at the interval thanks to a further score from Doyle, tries from Darren Brick and newly signed South African winger Jabulani Motloung, and a conversion and penalty from Norton.

On the resumption, Norton added a penalty to make it 30-5 before Bridgnorth stopped the rot when Craig Thomas crossed the line, Chris Cadwallader adding the extras.

But it was Ludlow who had the final say and tries from Ed Macfarlane and Mike Jones, both of which were converted by Norton, wrapped up a comprehensive victory.

“The scoreline was probably a bit harsh on us and we didn’t make the most of our opportunities,” said Bridgnorth skipper Gareth Bladen.

“Ludlow are a good side and will certainly be up there come the end of the season – but we got over the try line twice and scores weren’t given because the referee couldn’t see whether the ball was grounded.”

Shrewsbury handed Stourbridge Lions their first victory of the season after a sub-standard display from the Sundorne Castle men.

“Had we performed as we can, we would have won the game but we didn’t play very well at all and it was very disappointing,” admitted spokesman Mattie Morris.

Shrewsbury had looked well placed to land the spoils as a penalty from Morris and try from Dan Harrison left the visitors 8-3 to the good.

But the game turned when an attempted chip through from Morris was intercepted, allowing the Stourbridge fly half to run the length of the pitch for a converted try.

And the home side secured the victory with a late try after Shrewsbury had lost the ball at their own scrum.