David Lawrence

The Rugby Football Union has postponed the start of regional rugby leagues until September 21, with matches beginning from September 26, because prolonged dry weather has left many pitches unsafe for full-contact play. Ludlow, Tenbury and Clee Hill Women’s teams will consequently have their opening fixtures rearranged. The RFU cited player welfare, fair competition and the need to give clubs, educational institutions and volunteers certainty for training, travel and logistics.

Ramzi Brick’s spectacular long-range strike earned Ludlow Town a 1–0 victory over Stapenhill and the club’s first FA Vase win in the modern era. Ludlow’s defence withstood Stapenhill’s physical approach, while manager Chris Waldron praised the team’s performance and said the club would continue aiming to improve. Ludlow were scheduled to return to league action against Cheltenham Saracens and Alcester Town before facing Hereford Pegasus in the next FA Vase round.

Tenbury Wells Cricket Club defeated local rivals Colwall by 60 runs after Karl Pearson scored 120, supported by Ed Kemp’s rapid 53, as Tenbury posted 319. Colwall reached 259 for eight in its 45 overs. Ludlow Cricket Club lost by five wickets to Shelton, while Ludlow Town FC began its Hellenic League Division One campaign with a 2-0 win over Chipping Sodbury Town, with Jesse Howard scoring both goals.

Ludlow Rugby Club players and backroom staff raised more than £2,000 through the Chairman’s Everest Challenge, with proceeds supporting club projects and local charities. Fifteen participants ran 354 laps around Ludlow Castle, collectively covering the 8,848-metre elevation equivalent of Mount Everest, while each player completed 24 laps. Club chairman Mikey Jones said the challenge reflected grassroots rugby’s values of commitment and camaraderie.

Ludlow lost by 35 runs to promotion-chasing St Georges in the Shropshire County League Premier Division. St Georges made 234 from 40.2 overs, with late contributions from Ashish Ashish and Zabiullah Safi, while Josh Bowen took four wickets for Ludlow. Ludlow reached 114 for three after useful innings from Nathan Engelbrecht and Mike Green, but Shah Faiz's four-wicket haul triggered a middle-order collapse, leaving Ludlow all out for 200. The result was Ludlow's 11th league defeat, although they gained six losing points before a crucial fixture at Shelton.

Hereford secured a 3–1 pre-season victory over Worcester City, capped by a long‑range debut goal from Danny Waldron in added time. A first‑half penalty from Cawley Cox and a finish by Luke Spokes established early control before Luke Rowe pulled one back for Worcester. New signing Billy Phillips discussed his playing style, development at Bristol City and his renewed link‑up with teammate Joseph James.

Ludlow Cricket Club were bowled out for 52 after a severe batting collapse despite a promising start from Sam Edwards, falling to Wellington, who reached the target in under ten overs with contributions from Morgan Ward and Jason Oakes. The defeat marked Ludlow’s third in a row ahead of their home match against Shrewsbury Seconds.

Tenbury Cricket Club secured a comeback victory over Burghill, Tillington and Weobley seconds after chasing a target of 265. Early wickets put Tenbury under pressure before Jack Kitchen revived the innings with a major contribution. A decisive 111‑run partnership between Euan Morgan and Harrison Davies ultimately turned the match, with Morgan scoring a half‑century and Davies hitting the winning runs. Strong bowling efforts from Ed Kemp and Jamie Farrar also featured in the win.

Tenbury Wells Cricket Club lost by 60 runs to Himbleton after fielding errors allowed Richard Sugden to score an unbeaten century, contributing to a total of 324. Despite a strong batting rebuild led by Euan Morgan and Alfie Watts, Tenbury were unable to maintain momentum and finished on 264. The team left the match encouraged by their batting but regretful over missed fielding opportunities ahead of their next fixture against Burghill, Tillington and Weobley seconds.

Ludlow Cricket Club lost by 95 runs to Premier Division leaders Quatt after a batting collapse while chasing 265 for 5, built on strong innings from Tom Whitney and Todd Henderson. Nathan Engelbrecht led Ludlow’s reply with 67 but received little support, and the team was dismissed for 170, leaving them seventh ahead of a match against an out‑of‑form Wellington side.