BISHOP'S Castle may have stormed to a seven-wicket win over neighbours Church Stretton in Division Two of the Shropshire League but skipper Tom Moulder admits there is still room for improvement.

And he’s hoping that the victory over their local rivals will spur them on this weekend when they look to build on that result when they head to Willey – the side just above them in the table.

Stretton struggled for runs against a Castle attack led impressively by Rich Powell who took 3-6 from his eight overs. In the end, they were back in the pavilion for just 113.

“He’s a quality bowler, probably one of the best in the league,” Moulder said. “The ball was swinging a bit and we did well to get them out for that total.

“But there’s still plenty to work on – we conceded 36 extras which was their top score!”

Just three batsmen reached double figures. Opener Andrew Chapman was on 13 when he was bowled by Moulder (3-34) and Rob Whittall notched up 10. Top-scoring batsman was James Evans but he was caught off the bowling of Edgar Whately (3-18).

Castle took just 16.2 overs to reach their target with all the top-order playing their part.

Opener Richard Plant was caught-and-bowled by Ben Crump for 26 and Jack Purkis suffered the same fate when he fell for 22.

Rhys Evans then took up the chase and notched 22 before being trapped lbw allowing Richard Fifield (21no) and Whateley (0no) to see their side over the line.

“To be fair, I know Church Stretton were struggling a little as they had a few players out,” Moulder said. “We deserved the win but some of their bowling was a bit short which meant we could hit out which is what you need to do in these win/lose games.

“It’s all about us winning a few games now to move us up the table a little and a win at Willey could be good.”

In the South Shropshire Twenty20 League, Ludlow won a thriller against Tenbury Wells by just two runs.

Batting first, Ludlow posted 212-5 thanks to an excellent 96 from Luke Miles and 43 from Will Gough. Scott Kemsley was there at the close on 35no.

In reply, Karl Pearson hit a thumping 110 while Aaron Morris added 45 and Tom Pugh an unbeaten 25 but it wasn’t quite enough to deny Ludlow the points.

Elsewhere, Ludlow 4th lost their Sunday match with Shrewsbury 4th by 119 runs in spite of some amazing bowling from Josh Fagan who took 6-9.

The home side still managed to reach 240-7 helped by 95 from opener Sam Davies and a useful 78 from James Davis.

In reply, Marcus Griffiths (26), Matthew Porter (25) and skipper Oli Boulton (22) were the only batsmen among the runs and Ludlow were dismissed for 121 runs.

See inside for news on Ludlow’s match with Wem.