PLAY it again, Sam! That’s the message after youngster Sam Edwards became one of three Ludlow players rewarded with a representative call.
Edwards starred for the Burway cricketers with both bat and ball last weekend, scoring his first league century against Shelton while also grabbing his first hat-trick the following day against Newtown. His exploits paved the way for two crucial wins to ease any relegation fears in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League.
And at the same time, he was rewarded with a place in the Marston’s representative side to meet the North Somerset League in the first round of the Cedric Rhodes Trophy at Knowle CC in Bristol on Sunday.
The 19-year-old will join team-mates Will Sparrow and Louis Watkins for the game – the first time in several years that Ludlow have provided three players for the Marston’s team.
“We’re chuffed to have three 19-year-olds in the team, it’s great news for the club,” said skipper Sparrow. “Sam really deserves his chance as he’s in the form of his life at the moment. He’s worked hard and deserves his success.
“He’s batting well and he also has a happy knack of picking up wickets when he comes on to bowl.”
First up, opener Edwards hit the first century of his league career against struggling Shelton on Saturday, making an unbeaten 117 including 14 fours as Ludlow posted 239-8. He then took 3-6 with his part-time off-spin to help dismiss Shelton for 152.
Rob Genner also made his mark with 60 – including six fours and two sixes – following his call-up from the third team. Watkins and Ali Raza then took two wickets to help cement the win.
Edwards was at it again against basement side Newtown 24 hours later, scoring 48 of Ludlow’s 167-9 before taking 4-18 – including a hat-trick – as the mid Wales men managed just 83. Also in the wickets were Sparrow and Coote with three apiece.
Having moved to eighth, Ludlow are now in range of several sides just above them and will be out to keep up the good work at home to Quatt tomorrow.
Sparrow added: “We targeted 40 points last weekend, and that’s what we got. Hopefully we can now put any fears of relegation behind us, and look to push for a top five place.”
Tim Goldthorp will captain the side tomorrow with Sparrow unavailable, but allrounder Richard Moolman returns.