Rugby: Ludlow 33 pts Old Halesonians 27

LUDLOW booked their place in the fourth round of the Powergen Junior Vase with an exiting win over visiting Old Halesonians, the result being in doubt until the final whistle of a pulsating battle watched by a large crowd.

Early Ludlow pressure pinned the visitors back and forced them to concede a penalty, fly-half Mark Williams obliging with a successful kick.

Ludlow followed up quickly to catch the visitors in possession as they tried to run the ball out of defence and turned the ball over, slick handling giving scrum-half Gareth Edwards an overlap and an unconverted corner try.

Halesonians came back strongly and secured quick possession off the top of a line-out to move the ball wide and outflank the home defence to touch down, the conversion reducing arrears to a single point.

Williams landed a long-range penalty to extend Ludlow's lead, but within minutes Halesonians grabbed the lead after a strong run down the middle to cross near the posts.

Skipper Jake Parkes was on hand to finish off a series of powerful drives with a try, Williams converting to regain an interval lead.

Williams added a third penalty and then played his part in the best try of the match. Ludlow won a line-out and sucked in the visiting mid-field with a powerful rolling maul before moving the ball swiftly along the backs.

Fly-half Williams was held inches short but slipped a pass to the supporting winger Derek Sandell who crashed over in the corner.

Halesonians roared back with a try and a penalty, and although Sandell bagged a second try, converted by Williams, the visitors set up a tense finish with a converted try.

Ludlow regained their composure and ran down the clock to move into the next round.