Sam Edwards enjoyed “his best weekend in cricket” to ensure Ludlow were the only double winners on a packed weekend of Marston’s Shropshire Premier League action.

The 19-year-old hit the first century of his league career against Shelton on Saturday, making an unbeaten 117 as Ludlow posted 239-8 before taking three wickets with his part-time off-spin to help dismiss Shelton for 152.

And he was at it again against 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 in reply.

“It was the best weekend Sam has had in cricket,” said Ludlow captain Will Sparrow.

“He batted really well both days and his bowling was excellent.

“He is probably seventh or eighth on the list for bowling but to get the wickets he did was excellent.”

Shelton overcame the disappointment of that defeat to Ludlow by beating Bomere Heath by 31 runs on Sunday.

Dan Rees, making a guest appearance on holiday from Australia, hit a quickfire 105 while Neil Salisbury made 92 as Shelton posted 277-4.

And despite the heroics of Ian Gillespie – who like Rees hit a quickfire century – Bomere fell short as they were bowled out for 246.

Shelton were captained by 53-year-old club stalwart Martin James in preparation for the next two weeks when he will deputise for the unavailable Salisbury.

Newtown’s troubles didn’t end with the defeat to Ludlow – they were also well beaten by Trysull in a game which actually cost them a point.

Having being bowled out for 71 and managing just one Trysull wicket in reply, Newtown didn’t receive a point from the game.

And their tally for the game was minus one when they were deducted a point for failing to provide a scorer, leaving them 35 points adrift at the bottom.

“The big problem for us over the last few weeks has been availability,” said captain Steve Davies.

“We have been missing up to seven or eight first teamers.

“The youngsters have gone in and been great.

“They are very proud to play for the town but it’s a big ask for them to do the job we need them to do.”