Bridgnorth have parted company with coach Gordon Doble after a below par start to the Midlands Two campaign.

Doble, who had a spell at Wolverhampton before moving to Bridgnorth at the start of the season, had overseen just two victories in six games.

His departure was agreed before Saturday’s 14-5 defeat at Dixonians, with captain Gareth Bladen and two other senior players – Mike Preece and Martin Jones – taking on the coaching duties.

“Gordon hasn’t been helped by a number of injuries but it hasn’t really worked out for a host of reasons,” said chairman of selectors Simon Pennington.

“The three lads will take it on for now and we will see how things are developing by Christmas.”

Bridgnorth’s first game without Doble produced an improved display against high-flying Dixonians.

Bladen gave Bridgnorth the lead with a try, before the hosts fought back with two converted scores of their own.

The game was marred by a broken leg to Bridgnorth winger Matt Payne, which caused a 25-minute delay while an ambulance arrived.

Ludlow remain in the top four after thumping Wolverhampton 54-8.

The eight-try rout included a hat-trick for Joe Doyle, while Ed MacFarlane, Dan Rawlings, Nick Morris, Gareth Edwards and Rob Evans all crossed the line.

Will Norton added seven conversions, while Wolverhampton’s only consolation came with a try and a penalty.

“We weren’t at our best in the first half but Wolverhampton were poor defensively and we took full advantage,” said director of rugby Phil Norton.

Shrewsbury, meanwhile, chalked up a 27-0 home victory over fellow strugglers Willenhall.

“It was an important win because they would have gone above us with a victory,” said spokesman Mattie Morris.

“But we performed well and it was very pleasing to have a shut-out and prevent them from scoring.”

Will Jones and JJ Lowrie-Herz each scored two tries, with Richard Jones crossing the line once and Morris grabbing one conversion.

By JAMES GARRISON