LUDLOW captain Bryn Simmons is happy for another dominant individual performance from Jason Van Loggrenberg (6-48) to take the spotlight away from a batting line-up he insists has become as good as any in the league.

Ludlow ran down Frankton’s 254-run total for a 20-point win at The Burway as they try to keep the pressure on the Shropshire County League’s runaway leaders, Newport.

The South African again produced the highlight performance – thriving on the hard track – and has now taken 42 wickets in just 150 overs of league play.

However, headlined by 66 from Bryn’s brother Ian, Ludlow’s batsmen turned in a balanced display with all but one making double figures.

“Jason’s a great bowler, he’s probably the quickest in the league and the hard track suited him,” said Bryn Simmons.

“People read the paper and see Jason’s figures – but I know for a fact that everyone in the team has scored 100s. I never ever have to worry about chasing a target.

“That was best wicket we’ve played on and I felt they were about 30 short.”

It is a perfect time for Ludlow’s line-up to be finding their touch; the second-placed side face St Georges (third), Reman Services (fourth), Wem (fifth) and Worfield (sixth) in their next five games.

“We are in a battle for second place,” said Simmons. “It’s a cliché but if we keep winning that puts pressure on Newport.”

On Saturday, Simmons himself came up with the crucial wicket, knocking over Frankton’s Thomas Welti (80) in what he said was his first spell in 10 years.

Richard Taylor (2-41) also chipped in as Frankton folded, losing their last six wickets for 32 runs.

At the crease, Van Loggrenberg (19) opened, forming a solid partnership with Ryan Lockley (29) before Ian Simmons pushed the pace coming in at number four.

Sam Edwards (41 not out) and Jack Griffiths (29 not out) saw Ludlow home for the win, having been held to a winning draw by Frankton earlier in the season.