BISHOP'S Castle were punished for not posting a large enough total as they lost out at Church Aston in Shropshire League Division Two.

Castle started well with Thomas Moulder (36) and Jonathan Price (39) putting on an excellent partnership for the opening wicket.

Rhys Davies also hit an unbeaten 39 at number four but had little support with no other batsman making it into double figures and three Castle middle-order men out for ducks.

Aston bowler Jon Bartlett (3-12) played a big part in stemming the runs as, after a promising start, Castle could only register 136-7 from their 40 overs.

In reply, Castle made a game of it and had Aston wobbling at certain points of their innings but they always had enough overs – if not wickets – in hand and the hosts got home at 138-7 in the 35th over.

Aston opener Avi Mathur’s 60 proved decisive despite fine bowling from Castle trio Caitlin Perry (3-16), James Jordan (2-10) and Simon Palmer (2-46).