LUDLOW CC skipper Ruel Brathwaite led by example on Saturday, claiming four wickets for 27 at Sentinel as the hosts were skittled out in a Shropshire League Premier Division encounter, chasing a less-than-daunting 144 all out total.

Consecutive wins for Brathwaite’s side have lifted Ludlow 28 points clear of the bottom two.

But there was a similar batting collapse for the 3rds, who capitulated to 69 all out at Lilleshall in Division Two with Ben Roberts (27) the only batsman to reach double figures. The hosts knocked them off for the loss of just one wicket.

Bishops Castle could muster only 116 for 9 from their 35 overs at Wellington 3rds, chasing a 171 for 6 total, to leave them 61 points short of safety.

Church Stretton stayed in the hunt for promotion from Division Three after hosts Prees conceded and Corvedale claimed a similar result in Division Four, without a ball being bowled, after the non-attendance of visitors Llanidloes.

Ludlow 2nds lost at home to their Lilleshall counterparts in Division Two 2nd XI, posting 165 for 8 with the visitors knocking them off for four wickets.

Corvedale 2nds are still in trouble after being bowled for 129 before hosts Albrighton 2nds got the required runs without loss.

Ludlow 4ths hoisted themselves out of the bottom two in Sunday Division Two by passing the 160 target set by Knockin & Kinnerley 4ths for just three wickets.