A VITAL half century from Luke Miles helped Ludlow to a 63-run victory over visitors Frankton in the Premier Division of the Shropshire League, keeping the pressure on leaders Whitchurch in the process.

Batting first, opener Sam Edwards made a steady 33 but it needed runs from the middle order to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Skipper Will Sparrow hit 36 off 35 balls before he was run out while Sam Roberts was there at the close unbeaten on 45. But it was Miles who was the mainstay of the innings, hitting 54 off 59 balls including nine fours to take the score to 230-8 from their 50 overs.

In reply, the visitors struggled against the pace of Ruel Brathwaite and spin of Joe Williams as they had Frankton in disarray at 18-4.

Tom Wilkie dug in with an impressive 71 that included four sixes while James Wigley put up some stubborn resistance for a dogged 28.

Last man Stuart Lammie added a useful 32 off 22 balls but it was to no avail and the Burway were all out for 167. Brathwaite (4-33) and Williams (4-27) were the pick of the Ludlow bowlers.

Sparrow’s side round off their season with a trip to Wem on Saturday. They trail leaders Whitchurch – who host St Georges – by 17 points.