Ludlow had to make do with a losing draw at Shelton

Hawes cracked a record 165 not out for the Seconds at Bomere Heath last week helping his side to a comprehensive 137-run win.

But his return to his regular firstteam place was over in a flash as he was bowled by opposition seamer Sam Griffiths.

Ludlow were trying to chase down Shelton’s impressive total of 266 and, despite losing Hawes, were well on the way thanks to a superb third-wicket partnership of 161 between fellow opener Richard Taylor and skipper Baden Wilton.

Unfortunately the pair were the only Ludlow players to make it to double figures.

Taylor fell for 77 leaving the visitors on 198-3 but they ran out of overs 48 runs short, leaving Wilton stranded on 97 not out which included nine fours and three sixes.

Earlier, the highlight of Ludlow’s bowling attack was Leon Burnley who returned good figures of 2-24 off his five overs as Shelton made 266-9.

Elsewhere in the Shropshire County Premier League it was the elements rather than the opposition which prevented Ludlow 2nd recording a victory over Shelton 2nd.

The home side dismissed their Birmingham opponents for 194.

Only opener Josh Croft, who fell 13 short of a century, and Harry Jones providing any resistance for Shelton.

Home captain Steve Small and Glen Whittaker set Ludlow on course for victory despite losing four wickets, including wicketkeeper-batsman Dylan Grinker for three.

But with an exciting finish on the cards with the score on 164-4, leaving Ludlow needing 31 from 22 balls, the heavens opened forcing both sides to settle for a draw.