Youthful Ludlow stormed back to the top of the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League – and sent Allscott tumbling to the bottom.

The south Shropshire side started the season strongly and are re-discovering that form as the campaign closes in on the halfway stage.

Hosts Allscott were brushed aside on Saturday thanks to an impressive bowling performance backed up by some solid batting from the middle order.

Louis Watkins was the star of the show, claiming 5-31 as Allscott were bowled out for just 125.

Ludlow lost two early wickets but the total still proved no trouble, first time skipper Baden Wilton top scoring with 36 while Tim Goldthorp hit an unbeaten 25 off just 11 balls to see them home.

“We’re performing well,” said club captain Dave Gadsby, who has found himself relegated to the seconds by the form of the club’s young aces.

“The average age of the side on Saturday was about 23 and Matt Hawes was the oldest player at 29.

“Louis Watkins has got 28 wickets for the season now at about nine apiece and he’s on a real roll.”

Ludlow’s success allowed them to take over at the top from 2009 champions Reman Services, who were forced to settle for a losing draw at home to Newport.

Newport’s total of 229-9 was largely down to a fine 68 from Paul Furniss and 41 off just 31 balls by Andrew Parton.

Those two were both eventually dismissed by Dominic Bradburne, who finished with figures of 4-66 to give his side a chance.

But Reman, set a revised target after a rain delay, lost early wickets and were unable to match the rate required – despite a fine knock of 71 off 75 balls from Mal Serplet.

The clash between high-flying Quatt and Bomere Heath proved to be another closely-contested affair – Bomere just edging it on points.

In what was to prove another game disrupted by rain, hosts Quatt notched a healthy 187-7 from 46 overs.

But Bomere, with a fine 39 off 29 balls down the order from Todd Cornehls, reached 153-8 from 36 overs to claim a winning draw.

Shelton also stayed up among the top five with a fine winning draw in a disrupted match at Wem.

They notched 223-8 from their 50 overs, with Manrich Kotze (89) and Tom Fenn (66) leading the charge.

Matthew Cohen hit 51 in reply but Wem were restricted to 145-8 from their 36 overs.

By CHRIS HUDSON