CORVEDALE’S hopes of closing on the leaders were dealt a blow by their fellow mid-table rivals Hodnet & Peplow.

The Shropshire League Division Three clash ended in a routine win for the visitors.

Corvedale lost the toss and were asked to bat first, and they found the going difficult from the outset.

The Mantles – skipper Ross and wicketkeeper Paul – went for 16 and six respectively and it never got much better from thereon in.

Harry Aldridge top scored for the hosts with just 22 and they were left with plenty to do as they could muster just 104-9.

Christopher Stretch took 3-10 and Mohammed Fiaz 4-26 to keep the shackles firm in place.

Then in reply Aldridge grabbed an early wicket before Sher Muhammad Zahid grabbed two more to leave the game in the balance.

But there were to be no further losses as Mohammed Fiaz finished unbeaten on 42 and Harry Fiaz hit 34 to get Hodnet to their target off 25 overs.

Corvedale 2nd had only seven players as they were beaten at Shifnal 4th.

John Povall made 25 as the depleted side finished on 54-6 but Richard Gough (21) and skipper David Brammer (12) saw the hosts home.

Russell Wilcox did have the consolation of removing Ben Aston for 21 but it was always going to be an uphill task for Corvedale.