LUDLOW Cricket Club bowler Will Sparrow said he was pleased that Ian Simmons "stepped up to the plate" after he helped the side to a convincing win against Allscott in Shropshire County Premier League.

Simmons' unbeaten 69 off just 48 balls eased Ludlow to a seven-wicket win against their bottom-of-the-table opponents.

Sparrow said that he knew Simmons had the capability of producing well with the bat.

"Ian hasn't been scoring many runs for Ludlow this season, but he has been getting runs elsewhere," said Sparrow.

"It is nice to see him get runs runs.

"He batted very well and was due a score.

"I know he can score runs and it was good to see him step up and contribute in a good way."

Simmons was ably assisted by Harry Martin, who himself ended unbeaten on 34.

Jamie Smith (19) and Sparrow (10) also got into double figures as Ludlow eased past Allscott's total of 149.

"Harry batted very well, which was good to see," said Sparrow.

"We thought that we would only have to use our top five batsmen because Allscott posted quite a low total and that's how it proved."

Chris Ammonds (3-17) was the pick of Ludlow's bowlers, with Matthew Kennedy (3-36), James Gerritse (2-43) and Sparrow (2-43) also chipping in with wickets.

Keanu Cooper also took a catch and a stumping in his first game as wicket-keeper.

Ludlow travel to Newtown this Saturday – a game that Sparrow knows will be difficult.

"We beat them earlier in the season at home and I would like to think that we can get another 20 points," said Sparrow.

"It won't be easy, but if we play like we did last Saturday, then there is no reason why we can't beat them."