Whitchurch 48-13 Ludlow

Whitchurch cast aside their cup despair by thrashing Shropshire rivals Ludlow at Edgeley Park to wrap up the Midlands Two West (North) title in style.

It was the perfect response from the runaway leaders after cup heartache last week to make it 18 wins out of 18 in the league.

The rampant Reds ran in eight tries, with two apiece for flanker Jonathan Cope and wing Tom Skone, as Ludlow's hopes faded after disciplinary problems.

Ludlow's promising start was undone by two yellow cards in the space of five minutes – with a penalty try – but it wasn't until they had a man restored that Whitchurch scored in open play through Cope, converted by Danny Nicholas.

Prop Steve Bloore powered over for a third try, again converted by Nicholas, as the home side extended their lead to 21-0, before Ludlow responded through winger Will Sparrow, who kicked a penalty and crossed for a try to make it 21-8 at half-time

Whitchurch, however, tightened their grip soon after the interval when second row Tom Welisbury sealed a bonus point with a fourth try, Nicholas again converting.

Ludlow's hopes diminished further after picking up a red card for a tip tackle - and the Reds took control with Skone working his way over in the corner following a smart move along the back line.

Cope then crossed for his second try from a tap down to make it 38-8, before Sparrow then went over for his second try for Ludlow.

The Reds had the last word, though, with two more tries, with replacement hooker Mike Oakden getting the next touchdown, before Skone ran through to score from inside his own 22 courtesy of an interception.

The newly crowned champions take a break from the league on Saturday when they are due to host Edwardians in the quarter-final of the North Mids Shield on Saturday.

The Solihull visitors, who lie seventh in the level below in the Midlands Three West (north), have been struggling with injuries, but Sturdy hopes the game goes ahead as he looks to give several of the squad members a chance to impress.