Ludlow end Whitchurch run
Euphoric Ludlow skipper Will Sparrow believes his side have sent a message out to the Henshalls Insurance Shropshire Cricket League by downing leaders Whitchurch.
The Burway side ended Whitchurch’s unbeaten 2017 Premier Division record with a narrow 22-run victory, cutting their lead at the top to 29 points.
Ludlow chalked up 245 after electing to bat, a total that Sparrow admitted was slightly disappointing after they had reached 171-2 thanks to Jack Griffiths (65) and Will Gough (57).
Sparrow explained how putting the leaders under pressure was Ludlow’s target with the game quickly getting away from Whitchurch thanks to a fine spell from Ruel Brathwaite.
The Barbados-born seamer, formerly of Durham and Hampshire, took three wickets for two runs during a blistering opening salvo that demolished Whitchurch’s top order. Some late resistance by Kristen Ali (80) gave the visitors hope, but they fell short.
“We were cruising but lost five or six wickets for not many runs at all,” said Sparrow. “Every run proved vital in the end.
“We realised they haven’t chased anything this season. We wanted to put them under pressure. They’ve batted first and put up 250 or 300 but it’s a different kettle of fish when you’re chasing.
“We sent a message out to the league that they are beatable. Ruel ripped them apart. He was really up for it. He enjoys playing the better teams – it brings the best out of him.
“His stats don’t compare to other bowlers in the league but he takes big wickets.
“And the impact he’s had on the boys with his professionalism, attitude and experience has progressed them, he’s brought others up.”
Jack Griffiths (65) and Will Gough (57) were the pick of the batsmen for the victorious hosts who climbed above both Worfield and Quatt into second.
Sparrow added: “Both Jack and Will are in good nick. They were in total control and both a bit annoyed they didn’t go on to a century.”
Fifth-placed Wem closed in on the top four with a fine four-wicket win at Worfield.
Wicketkeeper Bryn Simmons’s 57 not out helped the hosts to 172 at Davenport Park. But Harry Chandler and Sam Peate’s third wicket-stand of 127 did most of the damage as Wem clinched a crucial 20-point success.
Evan Limerick and Harry Astley were on form with the ball for the victors, taking six wickets between them.
Wem are five points behind Worfield in fourth, with just 22 points separating second-placed Ludlow and Newtown in sixth.
