CLEOBURY Mortimer’s excellent start to their Worcestershire County League season suffered a setback as they were edged out by fellow Division Eight high-fliers Bredon.

There had been little between the two table-toppers going into the match but Cleobury’s hopes had already suffered a blow with a number of their more experienced players being ruled out due to a wedding.

The visitors won the toss and opted to bat with openers Callum James (24) and Rachael Fenney (13) giving them a solid start.

But some excellent bowling from Luke Baldwin (4-24) and Harry Booton (2-43) soon had them in trouble and it needed a vital knock of 43 from tail-ender Felix Denton to salvage the innings before he was dismissed off the bowling of Oliver Green (2-26).

Oliver Clinton and Gareth Layton took the over wickets and Cleobury’s stand-in skipper Jake Wadhams took three catches as Bredon were finally dismissed for 135.

In reply, the home side made a steady start but slipped away once Wadhams was run out for 21.

Runs then became hard to come by with just three others reaching double figures - Clinton (15), Booton (14) and Connor Phelps (10) - and Cleobury were all out for 92.

This weekend sees Cleobury head to Division Eight strugglers Wyre Foresters when they should have a number of key players available again.

Ludlow cricket Saturday (65)

Excellent bowling from Louis Watkins and Ruel Brathwaite guided Ludlow to their first win of the season in the Premier Division of the Shropshire County League.

Watkins led the way with 6-16 with skipper Brathwaite taking 4-19 as lowly St Georges were dismissed for just 42.

Ludlow then lost just four wickets on their way to victory, opener Okera Bascombe leading the way with 16 including two 6s.