LUDLOW spurned the chance to seize second spot in the Shropshire League with a shock defeat at strugglers Forton.

The visitors won the toss and the decision to field looked savvy as Forton were wiped out for 98.

Luke Miles (2-23) took out opener Will Poulteney before the hosts had registered a run and despite the best efforts of Luke Adcock (30) and Rob Woodhall (23), Ludlow's Peter Griffiths (5-23) scythed through the order.

But crucially, Forton captain and tail-ender Matthew Sayers plundered 23 at the death in what proved to be a match-winning knock.

Ludlow's response never gained any momentum with Miles's 46 from 45 deliveries, including seven boundaries, in vain.

All of his team-mates failed to score more than 10 with Chris Hughes (5-37) and Sayers (4-30) deadly with the ball.

Ludlow's first team sit fourth in the standings ahead of their final match at home to champions Sentinel on Saturday (noon).

In Division Two, Church Stretton lost by eight wickets at Willey. Rob Whittall's top score of 19 summed up an innings which ended on 110 for eight with the hosts easing to 114 for two inside 16 overs.