Oswestry 209 Ludlow 130.

LUDLOW’s brittle batting failed once again after they had restricted the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League leaders to just over 200 at the Burway.

Ludlow were bowled out with nearly 10 overs remaining.

Jack Edwards (2-56) and Ali Raza (3-54) contained the Oswestry top-order before a collapse to Peter Coote (3-56) and David Proctor left the visitors reeling at 137-6. Ryan Smiles (26) and Steve Humphreys (21) scored freely at a run a ball to get the score up to 209 before the last wicket fell in the final over.

When Ludlow batted Ryan Lockley tied down one end, but had lost two partners by the time the score reached 30. Jack Griffiths (17) helped him to double the score, but then they were out in quick succession, Lockley for 38.

Sam Edwards (37 off 36 balls) was the only other batsman to offer resistance as Ryan Smiles (4-35) and Mark Robinson (3-25) gained a stranglehold over the Ludlow innings.

l It was the reverse story at Oswestry where Ludlow 2nd won by 70 runs after making 239-8. They bowled Oswestry out for 169 with more than 10 overs to spare.

Matt Hawes (52) and Glen Whittaker (49) shared a big opening partnership, and Harry Small (33) scored useful runs towards the end of the Ludlow innings.

Ian Davies (82) batted well but his colleagues were blown away by Will Sparrow (6-37) and Edward Rayen (3-36).