Newtown 2nd 128 Ludlow 2nd 129-4

LUDLOW took full advantage of a devastating opening burst from Peter Ezard to cruise to a six-wicket victory over Newtown at Burway in the Shropshire County Reserve League.

Ezard took all five as the visitors batted first and found themselves with their backs to the wall at 50-5. S Barker (54) and J Davies (30) repaired the damage to an extent, but then the introduction of Will Ephraim (2-11) and Dave Tuckett-Good (3-10) completed the job to hustle the visitors out for 128 with 11 of their scheduled 45-overs still outstanding. Ezard finished with the splendid figures of 5-42 off 14 overs.

Second fiddle

Steve Burgoyne (20) got the home reply off to a flyer before going at 22-1. Fellow opener Matt Hawes was content to play second fiddle and in partnership with Michael Payne (37) and then Paddy Curtis (14) broke the back of the target.

Unfortunately Hawes was not able to complete the task and was out for a solid 32 with just two runs required. Dan Hearn (24) remained undefeated as Ludlow cantered home with 28 overs to spare.

This week Ludlow have a double header against Whitchurch with the first team having home advantage.