Ludlow 83 ao Newtown 84-7

LUDLOW fought back well in the field after being bowled out for a low total.

They were unable to master the in-swing bowling of Mike Bellamore on an under-prepared surface and finished up losing by three wickets in the Proactive Shropshire County Premier League.

After losing the toss and batting first on a sub-standard pitch the going was always going to be difficult, but Matt Hawes showed a lot of determination as he opened the innings.

In partnership with first Dave Bottoms and then Ross Wharton, and with a liberal supply of extras, the score moved along steadily to 35-1, before the wickets began to tumble.

Hawes was the fourth man out for 20 at 41 made off 57 balls. Daniel Hern (11) and Kevin Boulton (13) were the only other two batsmen to reach double figures in the face of some accurate bowling from Bellamore (6-36 off 17 overs). They were all out for 83 in the 38th over.

Adam Williams took an early wicket when the home team replied. M Tolley (16) and Chris Laas (21) took the score to 35 before the latter became the first of Pete Ezard's victims.

The home team stuttered to 55-6 in the face of some tight bowling and excellent fielding.

Just as a surprise result looked possible, the bowling ran out of seam and Richard Smout (13) in partnership with Craig Davies (15no) steered Newtown to victory in the 30th over. Williams finished with 3-29 from 12 overs and Ezard 3-21 off 9.2 whilst Dave Bottoms picked up the other wicket.

This week Ludlow entertain lowly Quatt at the Burway.