BISHOPS Castle got themselves ‘out of the minuses’ as Richard Plant’s half-century and Richard Powell’s six-wicket haul demolished Hodnet, Peplow & Tibberton.

Castle had been deducted 20 points for failing to attend the league’s AGM and had seen their first match of the season called off due to a sodden Manor Ground surface.

But they put those woes firmly behind them to beat HP&T by 65 runs in Shropshire Two.

An opening partnership of 80 between Plant (50) and skipper Tom Moulder (41) provided the bulk of Castle’s 137-7.

In reply, the hosts had a disastrous start, slipping to 9-4, and were all out for 72 as Powell (6-22) ran riot, supported by Richard Langford (2-18) and Jack Perry (2-27).

Castle host Shifnal thirds this Saturday, if their pitch holds up.

Elsewhere in Shropshire Two, Scott Kemsley took 4-16 and Joe Williams 3-16 as Ludlow seconds (69-6) walloped Wellington (65 all out) by four wickets.

Church Stretton’s Division Three visit to Chelmarsh and Corvedale’s Division Four game at home to Guilsfield were both rained off.

Ludlow firsts will hope to get their Premier Division campaign underway at home to Newtown on Saturday, having put their opening two games back until later in the season due to the weather.