CORVEDALE crushed visiting Shifnal by nine wickets to retain their lead at the top of Division 3 in the FBC Manby Bowdler Shropshire County League.

They now lead second-placed Whittington by 21 points, but must be well on the way to securing promotion as thirdplaced Beacon are a further 33 points adrift.

Ed Riley (3-26) whipped out the first three wickets, before Ian Simmons (2-30) and James Kolleth (2-16) took out the middle order, including top-scorer Simon Rumble two short of his half-century. Jack Lines and Ross Mantle claimed a wicket apiece before Harry Brentnall ran out the last man in the 37th over.

Ian Simmons joined Joel Leversedge when Ed Riley was caught for 17 and the pair completed the demolition in the 21st over. Leversedge cracked 11 fours in his unbeaten half-century, whiled his captain struck six fours and two sixes in his 45.

Bishop’s Castle’s Division 2 promotion hopes took a nosedive when they went down by four wickets against Frankton 2nd at the Manor Ground.

Castle made a decent start with the bat but were then skittled out for 95. After losing early wickets the visitors eased themselves home in the 24th over.

Castle looked to be heading for a big score when they reached 56-1 off just 11 overs. The dismissals of Andrew Lewis (25) and Jonathan Price (31) signalled a dramatic collapse.

It needed a late recovery by Tom Moulder (17) and Simon Palmer to push the score towards three figures before the final wicket fell in the 33rd over.

The same combination reduced Frankton to 3-3, but then a partnership between Todd (25) and Phillips (36) tilted the match back in favour of the visitors.

Stephen Mor ris took three wickets, but it was too little too late.

Church Stretton look to be heading for relegation after they suffered another hefty defeat at mid-table opponents Tibberton.

Stretton posted a total of 148, mainly down to 33 from opener Dan Anderson and a half century for Martin Nichols.

Nichols also took three wickets, but Tibberton got home by seven wickets in just 19 overs thanks to opener Ryan Peart (96).

Ludlow 3rd were unable to raise a side for their Division 5 fixture at Overton-on-Dee.