Ludlow 55 Bomere Heath 57-5

WHEN Ludlow lost three wickets in the second over after losing a crucial toss at The Burway, they knew that they were in for a torrid afternoon.

Their batsmen adopted different approaches to the situation, but the result looked inevitable when Bomere reached 30-0, needing just 26 more runs to win.

Skipper Baden Wilton and Dave Proctor took five wickets to restore some pride to the home side, but Bomere held their nerve to get home in the 17th over.

Jed Grantham made a sensational start to the game, taking full advantage of the damp wicket and humid conditions.

He whipped out the first three batsmen in four balls.

Rob Genner and Jack Griffiths struck two boundaries apiece in their brief visit to the middle, but the rest of the batsmen fared little better despite adopting a more cautious approach, with opener Richard Taylor being cleaned up by Chris Stephens for just one after facing 23 balls.

Grantham took 5-21 and his partner Stevens 5-34.

Andy F lann (20) and Chris Edinborough seemed to be on course for a big win until their wickets be gan to tumble to Wilton (3-40) and Proctor (2-4 off 4).

􀁥 It was a totally dif ferent story in the second-team clash at Bomere Heath, where opener Matt Hawes recorded a Ludlow batting record score of 165 not out.

He helped the visitors to make 265-3 batting first, and then the bowlers took over to go on and record a 137-run win by bowling Bomere out for 128.

Hawes struck 20 boundaries in his near flawless innings.

He received sound support from Shaun Morris (30), who joined him in a 144-run opening stand, plus Dylan Grinker (21) and Tom Prince (20no).

Simon Lane (3-50) and Glen Whittaker took early wickets when the Heath batted.

Ed Rayen (3-27) and a late flurry from skipper Will Wood (3-7) accounted for the rest of their batting.