Bowlers hit their straps as Madeley open their account

On a day when the bowlers held the upper hand, Madeley successfully defended a total of 114 against Frankton.

Stephen Pugh contributed a valuable 36 at the top of the order for Madeley on a tricky surface that offered plenty of assistance to the bowlers

Stuart Kammie led the way with the ball for Frankton with 3-14 with Archie Dikin, Jacob Northwood and Jack Hutchinson bagging two wickets each.

But the Madeley bowlers then stepped up to the plate with opening duo Jeremy Marshall (3-41) and Chris Hudson (4-25) ripping through the top order.

Scott Hale played a lone hand for Frankton with a fine 61 not out but Madeley were not to be denied with stand-in skipper Martin Boyle claiming a couple of wickets before 15-year-old Ben Jones took the final wicket as the host fell for 97.

“It was pleasing to get the first win because we haven’t had the best of starts,” said Boyle. “Hopefully we can kick on now.

“It was hard work for the batters on Saturday and after being bowled out for 114 I wasn’t that optimistic. But Jeremy and Chris bowled really well and it was good to see Ben grab the last wicket to win the game.”

Ludlow were left bemoaning the weather in their top of the table clash with Broseley.

Two rain delays during the second innings cost Will Sparrow’s side four overs as they pushed for victory in a tense clash that saw Broseley end on 127-9 in reply to the hosts’ 154-9.

On a day when the bowlers held sway, Ludlow grafted their way past 150 thanks to key contributions from opener Sam Edwards (42) and No.7 Glen Whittaker, who ended unbeaten with 47 to his name.

Craig Stewart was the pick of the Broseley attack with 4-35 from 15 overs. Sparrow was the star turn for Ludlow with 4-28 from 14 overs.

The Astleys combined to fire Wem to a 98-run success against St Georges.

In a rain-affected clash, the duo claimed eight wickets between them as St Georges were shot out for just 63 in reply to Wem’s 161-5 from 44 overs.

Tom led the way with 5-14 while James picked up 3-6. Danny Cohen took the other two wickets to seal a comfortable win.

Opener Ned Absolom had earlier shone with the bat for Wem with 69