Ludlow 2 Berkswell and Balsall Common 4

A fast and frenetic Coaching Solutions League match ended in a narrow defeat at Warwick University despite another excellent performance from the Ludlow team.

Two early goals from the home team were the result of very basic defensive errors and visions of a heavy defeat took a while to clear. But, gradually, the determination of the whole Ludlow squad of 14 players ensured the team fought for every ball and played some excellent hockey, rewarded with a fine Sam Mason goal.

The second half continued in the same vein with chances at both ends but an outstanding 70-yard run from new captain Stuart Richards set up a goal for Sam Mason to level the scores.

Berkswell then regained the lead, but probably the defining moment of the game came soon afterwards when a goal bound shot by Sam Mason was illegally saved by a defender. The expected penalty stoke was not given and Berkswell clinched victory in the last few minutes.

Despite the skills and athleticism of the Ludlow team they still lack composure on the ball, and still give away possession too easily. Many of the team had outstanding games, none more so, than Carl Davies who has returned to play for the club after a gap of six years and has now regained match fitness to become a highly intelligent and effective defender.

With an abundance of players and a great team spirit the side can only go forward and establish a powerful team for next season.

On Saturday Ludlow are at home at Leominster against Atherstone Adders.

On Sunday the team have an exciting away match against Urmston in Manchester. This is a second round match in the England Hockey Vase competition. Ludlow had a bye in the first round and look forward to progressing in this cup competition for smaller clubs.