CLEOBURY Mortimer captain Ben Griffiths believes that the team will soon turn a corner despite suffering a humbling defeat against Stourport last Saturday.

Cleobury are bottom of Worcestershire County League Division Three and struggled from the off against a very strong Stourport outfit.

Michael Green and Nick Griffiths both scored more than 20 runs each, but the rest of the team struggled and the team were skittled out for just 109. Stourport never looked in trouble in reaching their target and easily won by 10 wickets.

"We came up against a better side, which was pretty evident on Saturday," said Griffiths.

"It is a bit of a learning curve for us at the moment and we need to work on our lower-order batting.

"If we manage our expectations a bit, we will get a win under our belts."

Griffiths said that the loss of stalwart groundsman Bill Evans has affected the team.

"He had a stroke last November, so we have had to the prepare the wicket ourselves," said Griffiths.

"He has been able to advise us about what we should do, but has been unable to do it physically himself."

There was more joy for Cleobury's second team though as they secured a six-wicket win against Old Hill in Worcestershire League Division Four.

In Shropshire County League Division Two, Bishops Castle's game against Iscoyd and Fenns Bank was abandoned due to an unfit pitch.

Castle's second team lost by four wickets to the same team - Paul Cottrell top scoring for Castle with 22.

Mike Herbert's 40 was not enough for Corvedale as the they lost by 63 runs to Beacon in their Division Two match.

Corvedale were skittled out for just 103 as they chased down 166-6, with their only Aaron Wilcoxs (14) and Sher Mohammad Zahid (13) the only other players posting more than 10 runs.

Ludlow 3rd's Division Four game against Harpers was abandoned due to rain after Harpers posted 127-1.

But, Ludlow's second XI managed to thrash Madeley by 154 runs in their Division One match.

Stephen Burgoyne (77) and Daniel Hillman (44) helped Ludlow post a massive 260.

Robin Taylor and Matt Bengry then both took three wickets apiece as Madeley were skittled out for 103.