STRATFORD-upon-Avon RFC saw their three-game winning run come to an end following a 22-6 defeat away at Ludlow.
The visitors failed to score a try as Dan Whitby kicked two penalties for Stratford at The Linney.
And the result means Stratford sit eighth in the Regional 2 Midlands West table.
Stratford knocked on from the kick-off only to regain possession with a strong drive at the resulting scrum.
However, Ludlow scored the game’s first try in the corner following a penalty which gave the home side territory deep in the Stratford half.
The visitors reduced the deficit to two points when Whitby kicked a penalty between the posts after the referee penalised Ludlow for hands in the ruck.
An error-strewn first half and hard work in defence saw Ludlow take a slender two-point advantage into the break.
And Ludlow knocked on from the kick-off at the start of the second half in a repeat of Stratford’s error from the first period.
Stratford could not find a way over the Ludlow try line as the referee brought play back for a penalty which Whitby pushed to the right of the posts.
The away side won another penalty soon after and this time made no mistake to edge Stratford into a one-point lead.
However, Ludlow scored their second try to reclaim the lead before the home side struck again moments later to lead by 11 points.
The visitors then lost Tom Stanley to the sin-bin for an apparent push to the face.
And the home side scored the game’s final try after Stratford committed an accidental offside offence which gave Ludlow prime position to strike.
Stratford are next in action against Moseley Oak on Saturday, October 18 with kick-off at 3pm at Pearcecroft.
