Ludlow 17pts Stafford 16

LUDLOW held on to secure a massive win against fellow strugglers Stafford in Midlands 2 West (North).

Matt Davies held his nerve to kick over Alex Wallace's try with five minutes to go to seal the victory that puts the Linneymen six appoints above Stafford in the race to stay in the division.

Stafford even had the chance to regain the lead with seconds to go, but missed the penalty to send the Ludlow faithful delirious.

"We got the result we wanted, which was brilliant," said Ludlow spokesman Phil Norton.

"If they had beaten us, they would have leapfrogged us in the table, so it was a massive win.

"It was a really gutsy performance and such a nervy game because both teams knew the importance of it."

Ludlow will be hoping to grab their third win on the bounce when they travel to bottom club Tamworth this Saturday.

"In December, we were looking for two wins out of three and we've already got them," added Norton.

"Earlier in the season we were getting beaten by small margins and we would have lost the last two games.

"We've just got to go to Tamworth and win now, but it won't be easy."

Ludlow stormed into an early lead against Stafford when inside-centre Mike Jones picked up a lose pass to score under the posts.

Matt Davies converted to make it 7-0 before the away side got back into the game through their own converted try.

Stafford went into the lead for the first time via a penalty, but the sides went into the break level at 10-0 when Davies slotted over his penalty.

However, it was Stafford who came out stronger t the start of the second half and punished some sloppy Ludlow play top go 16-10 ahead.

"We just couldn't control the game and create a platform," said Norton.

"The kicked over two penalties but we scored a try after a really good flowing move from our half.

"Alex Wallace, our second row, scored it and Matt Davies put over a fantastic conversion.

"We played very well but still made a slight mistake and they had a a penalty with a couple of minutes to go.

"But they missed it and we held on for the win."