Ludlow 225 Shelton 158-9.

LUDLOW launched their new Marston’s Shropshire Premier Cricket League season with a winning draw at Shelton.

Ultimately it was a frustrating draw because the home last-wicket pair were able to hang on with a stubborn unbroken 51 run partnership.

Having been put in to bat, Ludlow made a moderate start before captain Will Sparrow helped the score from 25-1 to 108-4 with his 43.

Jack Griffiths carried on the good work with a top-scoring 44.

At 173-8, the visitors were in danger of posting a modest total until the tail wagged to good effect with Louis Watkins scoring 33 and Paul Sparrow chipping in with 19 to finish on 225 all out after 48.5 overs.

When Shelton replied, Ludlow opening bowler Richard Moolman (3-33) made early inroads with the assistance of two catches by wicketkeeper Elliot Chimo and the home team were on 14-2.

After a mini-recovery in the face of a miserly spell from Will Sparrow, wickets fell at regular intervals. Overseas player Ali Raza bowled 11 overs at first change taking 1-38 and Watkins completed a good personal performance with 2-13.

Moolman came back to take the ninth wicket with the score on 107.

Ludlow used seven bowlers and, though the match conditions allowed them to utilise 51 overs, the last wicket remained elusive and they were unable to force the victory their dominance demanded.