Delighted Ludlow believe they have established themselves as a Midlands One West force – with a stunning derby win at Whitchurch that could have transformed the Shropshire pecking order.

Former National League side Whitchurch were Shropshire’s top club for many years and though they have long since lost that title to Newport, Ludlow are now making a serious case to take the No 2 spot off them too.

Ludlow won 31-24 at Edgeley Park in what was the first league meeting between the two sides in more than 20 years.

“We’re very pleased because it is years since we beat Whitchurch in any competition,” said Ludlow spokesman Phil Norton.

“It was a huge result for us and really establishes us as a Midlands One team – we’re in upper midtable and hopefully we can stay there.

“We have had three wins out of four games and we have played three away games, so that makes it look even better.”

Ludlow took an eighth minute lead with a try from No 8 Dave Pugh but fell behind when the hosts responded on 20 minutes with a score from Olly Bates which was converted by Danny Nicholas.

Whitchurch then started to apply pressure but were put on the back foot when scrum-half Robbie Dudley was sin-binned for a high boot against Ludlow hooker Mike Jones.

The south Shropshire side made the most of their advantage with two injury-time tries from Jones and full-back Joe Doyle – Will Norton converting both.

In a thrilling game, Nicholas got a try back soon after half-time, only for Darren Brick to restore Ludlow’s advantage – and secure a bonus point with his side’s fourth try of the game.

A Bates try gave the home side hope before winger Will Sparrow went over for what proved to be Ludlow’s final score on 67 minutes.

Full-back Henry Hockenhull then went over for Whitchurch’s fourth try five minutes from time – earning them a bonus point as well –before Nicholas converted.

“Our tackling wasn’t up to it’s usual standard and we let them in for two rather easy tries before half-time,” said Whitchurch president John Gregory.

“It was not the best of days but Ludlow stuck to their task well.”