Skipper Simmons keen to learn from Ludlow Cricket Club's horror show

It was an awful weekend for Simmons – he was involved in a car accident the night before Ludlow suffered a six-wicket defeat at St George’s.

“Our display was horrendous – it was the worst day since I have been captain,” said Simmons, whose men travel to Bomere Heath this Saturday.

“We had a full squad and there are no excuses at all. I need to have a good think about what is happening.

“It’s not just one or two batsmen but it’s affecting everyone. There was no fight whatsoever.”

Simmons’ vehicle was badly damaged in a collision in Craven Arms on Friday evening.

“I was involved in a car crash on Friday evening – so it wasn’t the best couple of days,” admitted Simmons.

“I suffered a bit of concussion and whip lash and I felt a bit strange.

“I also felt there was a strange vibe when I turned up – and it has only happened once before when I have been involved with the club.

“I don’t mean to sound disrespectful but we should not losing to teams such as St George’s.

“It was awful – apart from the two tail-enders, Ed Riley and Luke Miles, who put on a 50-run partnership.”

Sam Edwards (21), Miles (19), Ed Riley (14) and Matt Kennedy (14) reached double figures in Ludlow’s 113 all out.

Despite two wickets from Kennedy and Will Sparrow, Gareth Hughes (65 not out) guided St George’s to the target.

Tenbury skipper Aaron Morris praised Jack Farrar, who delivered 17 overs in the bottom club’s 121-run defeat at Alvechurch and Hopwood in the Worcestershire County League Division Three.

Farrar took 2-60 as the hosts piled up 261-4, with Nick Jones (105 not out) and Adam Markham-Jones (73) leading the way.

Tom Gloster (34), Steve Giles (17), Dave Hunt (17), Morris (12), Tom Rawlings (12) and Mark Yarranton (11) chipped in but Tenbury were dismissed for 139.

“We could have chased that down but we played some poor shots and a slow bowler took six wickets,” said Morris.

“I think after the last three or four years, our players have got used to losing matches and the confidence has dropped and people are expecting us to lose.”

Tenbury travel to Birmingham to face table-topping Harborne 3rd this Saturday.

Morris added: “Jon Pearson should be back this weekend which should give us a lift and Alex Mason might be available.”

Jack Brain starred in Knighton-on-Teme’s 56-run home win over Llandrindod Wells in Sunday’s re-arranged GB Liners Marches League Division Two match.

Jack Kitchen (49 not out) and Brain (43 not out) were the main run-getters as Knighton posted a respectable 167-6 from 40 overs.

Rob Farrar (24 not out) and Richard Grosvenor (22) also chipped in, while Steve Fuller (3-42) caused problems for the Mid Wales outfit.

Brain then impressed with the ball, claiming 4-14 from 10 outstanding overs, and Farrar took 2-28 as Llandrindod were skittled out for 111 in the 38th over.

Skipper Matt James, Farrar ad Arthur Smith each claimed two catches for the resurgent Knighton team.