OXFORD law student Bryan Leighton made the perfect start to his 2017 campaign with Ludlow – taking a wicket with his very first ball to help his side to a 62-run victory at Frankton.

And skipper Will Sparrow is hoping he can call on more of the bowler’s fiery deliveries, particularly with regular paceman Ruel Brathwaite out of the side with a hamstring injury.

The home side were given a target of 273 and were soon in trouble with Leighton removing Jason Brookes for a golden duck before getting rid of Frankton’s other opener and skipper Ian Whitticase with just six runs on the board.

Leighton finished with 4-43 much to the delight of his captain.

“Bryan opened the bowling and did really well, taking a wicket with his first ball,” Sparrow said. “We will be without Ruel for a few weeks so it was good to be able to call on Bryan. Hes a great addition to the side but I’m not sure how many weeks he’ll be available for.

“It’s frustrating because Ruel and Bryan would make a fantastic opening partnership with their pace.

“Joe Williams also bowled well and deserved a wicket. He’s come from the 3rds and bowls left arm spin which is something we haven’t got. This was his first game for us and he was really impressive.”

Sparrow (4-39) was another to shine with the ball as Frankton’s reply ended when they were all out for 210 – well short of their target.

Earlier, it was another youngster who gave Ludlow the perfect start. Sam Roberts hit ten fours on his way to 87 and a maiden half-century while Sparrow hit a powerful 57 off 50 balls including two sixes.

Ludlow could have posted an even tougher target had it not been for two sloppy run-outs that halted Jack Griffiths (35) in his tracks and saw regular run-machine Will Gough heading back to the pavilion without scoring.

“There were a couple of mix-ups which led to the run-outs which was frustrating,” Sparrow added. “But overall, we can’t have any complaints and we have shown once again that we have runs and wickets throughout the side.”

Ludlow play host to another of the in-form sides on Saturday when Wem head to The Burway.

In Division Three, Ludlow 3rd beat Cae Glas by two wickets with Dan Ashley impressing with the bat with a knock of 86.

The home side were restricted to 191-5 from their 45 overs and Ludlow reached their target with four overs to spare, opener Oli Boulton contributing a solid 37.

Chris Ammonds hit an unbeaten 103 for Ludlow 4th in Sunday’s 105-run defeat of Knockin & Kinnerley.