ALL-ROUNDER Will Sparrow says he will need to check his bank balance after cracking a magnificent unbeaten 152 for Ludlow Cricket Club.

The 23-year-old will have to buy at least three jugs of beer for his team-mates after an outstanding display in which he also snapped up snapped up 4-13 from 19 deliveries.

The Hereford-born sportsman had other commitments last Saturday night after leading Ludlow to a crushing 182-run win at Frankton in the Shropshire County League Premier Division.

He will be hoping to celebrate his individual success – and help Ludlow to another triumph, at home to Albrighton this weekend.

“I thought I was due a few runs but to get 152 was very pleasing,” said Sparrow.

“I knew I would get a decent score and my dad and I had been talking about it all week.

“Unfortunately, I had to shoot off after the game – so I wasn’t able to buy the traditional jug of beer for my team-mates. I might have to buy three jugs for 150. I need to make sure that I am paid.”

Sparrow was dropped at slip on eight but went on to hammer 14 fours and six sixes in his 157-ball innings which propelled Ludlow to 277-5.

Harry Martin (53) and Jamie Smith (33) also contributed in Ludlow’s innings before Matthew Kennedy ( 4-28), Richard Taylor (2-49) and Sparrow polished off the hosts for 95.

Sparrow said: “It was my first century since hitting 116 not out against Reman Services in 2009.

“I got run out on 99 a few years ago but the most important thing was the 24-point haul for the team.

“I was pleased to beat my dad – his top-score is 142 not out. “

Skipper Bryn Simmons said it had been the perfect day for Sparrow.

“It was probably the best cricketing day of Will’s life –he batted so well. To get to 150 runs is fantastic at whatever level you play at.

“It was a really good wicket and I thought we batted very well.”

“I was going to bat first but their captain won the toss and put us in to bat.

“We have got a young side and I thought we needed someone to make a big score to life everyone’s confidence.”

Simmons says his brother, Ian Simmons, and James Gerritse are expected to return for Ludlow’s clash at home to Albrighton this Saturday.

“Albrighton have got some decent players and we have to play as hard as I know we can,” he said.

“I don’t want to sound disrespectful but we should be beating teams like Albrighton but it does not always work out that way.”

“Wem, Reman Services and Worfield are the teams to beat and we have to keep winning.

“There are still about 13 or 14 games remaining and anything can still happen in the title race.”