ALLROUNDER Will Sparrow has stepped down as Ludlow captain after work commitments hampered his availability this season.
Sparrow took over this term from Steve Small, but is now set to hand over the reins after missing a number of games in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League, writes JOHN BRIDGWATER.
He is now set for a spell working in Devon and he said: “I’ve resigned as captain as I felt it was unfair on the side with all the chopping and changing due to me not playing every week.
“Work has to come first, and I’m now going to spend a lot of time in Devon as I can’t afford the time off. The team need a regular pattern.”
The club have yet to decide who will take over for tomorrow’s clash at Albrighton as Ludlow look to bounce back from suffering defeats against two of the leading lights, Wem and Much Wenlock, in last weekend’s double header.
First, they were involved in a narrow three wicket loss to Wem before being skittled for just 68 in their 100-run drubbing against Much Wenlock the following day.
Chasing 168-7 in 50 overs against Wenlock, Ludlow were undone by a one-man show from Indian paceman Shailendra Sengar who picked up a staggering 8-16 in nine overs as the Burway men folded, with Louis Watkins (16) top scoring.
Earlier, it was a steady enough show with the ball for Ludlow with skipper Will Sparrow taking 3-28 from 14 overs and Watkins 3-35, but Sparrow admitted that Sengar made all the difference when his side came out to bat.
“I didn’t think he was out of this world, but he bowled straight and fast and most of the lads were not used to facing a bowler of his pace,” he said. “He was a yard faster than we’re used to in this league.”
The previous day, it was far closer against Wem as the south Shropshire men posted a target of 185-8 from 46 overs.
The innings was dominated by Richard Moolman who finished unbeaten with a superb 97 not out, including 14 fours, but ran out of time in sight of a second century of the season. Gareth Parker chipped in with 24 and Sparrow 23.
Wem were made to work hard for their runs in reply, getting home with eight balls and three wickets to spare, Bryan Jones top scoring on 62.
Moolman completed a good day with 3-53, but dropped catches and an abundance of extras (including 27 wides) proved costly.