KEVIN Hinton was quick to make his mark as Ludlow’s new overseas professional.

The exciting South African import blasted a boundary-laden 67 off only 60 balls and then took four wickets as Ludlow opened their Shropshire County League Premier Division programme with a 41-run victory over visiting Bomere Heath.

Secretary Phil Parker said: “It was a great start from Kevin. He scored his runs quickly and bowled well too.

"He will only get better so it bodes well for the future.”

Ludlow, who were put in, lost their first three wickets for 18 runs and were dug out of a hole by Jack Griffiths (27) and Will Gough.

When Griffiths departed at 60 for four, Hinton joined Gough to kick on.

They added 110 for the fifth wicket, Gough making a solid 52 (including nine fours) and Hinton creaming 12 fours in his attractive 67, as Ludlow rallied to 224 for nine off their 50 overs.

The 20-year-old Hinton, who had only arrived from South Africa the previous day, then got to work with the ball, having Bomere opener Ian Gillespie caught behind off his second delivery and bowling visiting skipper Chris Edenborough with an unplayable third ball that pitched on middle and hit the top of off stump.

Bomere were quickly reduced to the ruins of 50 for five, and despite Llyr Thomas making a defiant 91 and Sam Bloor a lusty late-order 31 not out, they were dismissed for 183 in the 43rd over. Hinton finished with four for 50 off 14 overs and Richard Taylor three for 36 off 7.1 overs.

In Division Two Church Stretton hit the ground running with a six-wicket win at Ellesmere.

They dismissed the home side for 160 and then knocked the runs off in 36 overs.

Opener Saif Khalid was the anchor with an unbeaten 64 while skipper Peter Lee weighed in with 48. Earlier Khalid had starred with the ball, taking four for 24 off six overs.

But there was no joy for Bishop’s Castle, beaten by six wickets at home by Montgomery after being pegged down to 113 for two off their 40 overs - opener Andrew Lewis scoring 30 - and Corvedale were beaten in a similarly low-scoring affair at Wheaton Aston in Division Three.

They could only muster 115 for nine off 40 overs - Lea Burton hitting out towards the end to top score with 24 - and the home side were shepherded home by Alex Curtiss (51 not out) after Adam Williams (four for 27 off 13 overs) had got amongst their early order.

Corvedale 2nd XI lost by three wickets to Wellington 6ths in Division Five after being shot out for 107.

Ali Hussain (28 not out) and skipper Ian Anderson (26) ensured they got into three figures as Nigel Holl (seven for 36) did most of the damage, hitting the stumps of all seven of his victims.