COACH Norman Stalker said his young side are good enough to stay in Midlands Two West (North) despite a tough start.

The Linneymen lost 44-13 against Camp Hill last Saturday, which came on the back of 71-0 home thumping against pacesetters Bridgnorth.

Ludlow's solitary win so far this season was against fellow strugglers Tamworth, but Stalker is optimistic his team can turn around their fortunes.

"We are having a hard time at the moment and have had a lot of injuries," said Stalker.

"Our second row Russell Jones is out all year with a shoulder injury, while Theo Hodnett is out for 21 days.

"Dave Morgan also went off injured last Saturday with a head injury, which could be concussion, while Matt Wilkes and Matt Davies have also been out.

"Camp Hill were very big and physical and we were getting bullied in the first 10 minutes.

"But we have got no experience.

"These guys have stepped straight out of school and are playing league rugby and are finding it physically tough.

"Our wingers last Saturday were Liam O'Neill and Tom Evans, who are 17 and 19.

"But in the long term, it is good because they are playing league rugby, which is good for the future of the club.

"But while we are conscious that we have got to win games, there are signs that we will do so and I am more than confident that we will stay up."

Mark Williams grabbed two tries for Ludlow last Saturday, but Camp Hill were always in control.

Craig Breakwell's two tries helped Clee Hill secure a narrow 24-21 win against Bloxwich in Midlands Three West (North).

Charlie Evans and Robbie Jordan also went over the lines, with Breakwell adding two conversions.

Bloxwich also had a player sent off for allegedly kicking Tom Rawlings in the face.

Clee Hill are sixth in the table going into this Saturday's home game against Burntwood.

"It wasTom's debut after joining from Ludlow and him and Dan Rawlings made all the difference," said captain Matt Bowen.

Cleobury go into this Saturday's home derby against Bishops Castle on the back of a 50-3 drubbing of Barton-under-Needwood in Midlands Four West (North).

Tom Leach and Alex Howman grabbed three tries apiece for Cleobury, with Paul Hulland and Matt Walford also going over the line.

Dave Leach kicked over three conversions and Ed Lewis two.

Bishops Castle, meanwhile, secured a 7-0 win against Cannock, with Henry Wilson converting Tim Davies' first try for the club.

George Bagley, Tom Ward, Nick Morris, Dom Wilding and Tom Chard all scored tries in Church Stretton-s 36-22 comeback win against Aldridge in Midlands Five West (North).