LUDLOW pace ace Ruel Brathwaite was back in the starting line-up for the Premier Division clash with Madeley.

But the West Indian bowler had to play second fiddle to experienced off-spinner Chris Ammonds who took a day out from captaining the Thirds to help set-up a three-wicket victory.

Ammonds’ accuracy frustrated the visitors and he celebrated by posting figures of 4-24 from his ten overs.

Skipper Will Sparrow said: “Chris is a good steady bowler who can put it on a sixpence.

"That accuracy meant the pressure built on their batsmen and they were out trying to force the runs.

“It was important that we got back to winning ways after losing to Wem last week and we managed to do that.

"We are in the middle of an important three-week period before facing some of the league’s big boys in August so it’s important that we don’t slip up.”

Madeley batted first and, after losing opener Doug Reynolds for just eight, started to rattle up a decent score with Stephen Pugh (57) and Alex Dillon (48) both impressing.

But after reaching 130-2, the Ludlow attack took control and limited their visitors to 182-9 from their 50 overs.

While Ammonds led the way with the ball, Sparrow also bowled well with 3-28 from his ten overs.

The skipper added: “They looked set for a decent score at one stage and we thought we’d be chasing 240 or 250.

"But we clawed it back thanks to some accurate bowling and tight fielding including a number of good catches.

"It all builds pressure on the batsmen.

“We didn’t get off to the best of starts in reply, but myself and Glen [Whittaker] put on a good partnership before Ruel and Luke Miles showed their experience to help us over the line.”

Ludlow were reduced to 34-3 but Sparrow (74) and Whittaker steadied the innings before Miles (19no) and Brathwaite (17) saw them home with more than ten overs in hand. Madeley’s Jeremy Marshall took 5-41.

A trip to Market Drayton awaits Sparrow’s side on Saturday and the skipper will be without seamers Louis Watkins and Brathwaite.

“We have a few others coming back so we should have a reasonable side to take there.” the captain explained.

“We are part of a close group of four sides chasing leaders Whitchurch and it’s important that we don’t lose ground.”

Ludlow 2nds won by three wickets at Bomere Heath 2nds thanks to some impressive bowling from Jake Wilkes.

He took 5-29 to help skittle the home side out for 135. Joe Williams also had a decent afternoon with the ball taking 2-14 from eight overs.

In reply, the result looked in the balance until Stuart Jardine hit 42 and Ludlow reached 140-7.