Ludlow 192 for 6 Oswestry 191 for 9

LUDLOW kept top spot in the Shrophire County Premier League with a solid performance against visitors Oswestry, taking 20 points, whilst nearest rivals Wem beat Perkins.

The home side won the toss and put Oswestry into bat. They scored 191 for 9 with a contribution of 69 from opener Pete Holloway

Pete Ezard (4-36) and Ollie Margetts (3-34) got among the wickets in a tight bowling and fielding performance.

Ludlow chased down the runs within the 45 overs, despite being 40 for 3 at one stage. Experienced keeper Paul Sparrow (30) played an anchor role while Aussie professional Rob Hodgson (67not out) and Will Sparrow (28) also shone.

The next test for Ludlow is Newtown away on Saturday.

Hodgson said: ''Newtown play to their strengths on their slow pitch and it is always a tough ask going up there. As a unit, we must make sure that we turn up each week and get the job done.''

Ludlow 2nds lost by nine wickets at Oswestry with Dave Humphries (91not out) leading the onslaught for the home side. Batting first Ludlow, had scored 191 for 8 but they couldn't capitalise on this in the field.