SCORER Phil Parker was pleased that Ludlow avoided defeat against Worfield after losing cheap early wickets.

The Shropshire County Premier Division side were 29-4 after 10 overs as Sam Edwards, Will Sparrow, Joe Maiden and Rob Genner all fell, before an unbeaten 61 by Bryn Simmons and 27 off 40 balls by 16-year-old Jake Stokes ensured that they salvaged a losing draw.

“We struggled really, but Bryn and Jake batted well to stop them from winning and means that we stay above them in the table, whereas if we had lost, they would have gone above us,” said Parker.

“We have got Wem on Saturday and they are below us, but the table is a bit vague at the moment as games have been called off.

“The forecast is meant to be good this weekend, though, and the wicket is drying up, which should help us.

“With the league structure, potentially four teams could be relegated, so we have to look to finish in the top eight.

“We will reassess it after the half-way stage.

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