YOUNG Josh Evans provided a bright spot for winless Ledbury as they slumped to a 111-run defeat at Builth Wells in Marches Cricket League Division One.

The bottom-of-the-table Herefordshire side were set a daunting 303-5 by the Welsh hosts but batted out their 45 overs to finish on 192-8 and earn seven points.

After losing the toss, Ledbury fielded first on a fine pitch for batting which allowed veteran Winston Williams and Aled Powell to get Builth off to a flier with a succession of boundaries.

Powell (43) was trapped lbw by Jamie Turner after a quickfire opening partnership of 115, but next man in Sam Williams only upped the scoring rate hitting four sixes in his 62.

With Builth on 180-1, Ledbury’s Steve Evans and Maurice Embrey managed to stem the flow of boundaries by bowling tight lines. Williams, who had anchored the innings, was caught behind two short of a century on 98.

In reply, Ledbury’s openers Matt Ehrlich (30) and Josh Evans found the boundary as regularly as their Builth counterparts but the former went for one shot too many and was caught.

A collapse saw 65-0 become 80-6 with Dylan McPhee (5-39) ripping out the middle order, including dismissing four batsmen for ducks.

But Josh Evans brought up his maiden first XI half-century and found good support from Embrey (30) as they added 64 for the seventh wicket before the former fell for 66.

The lower order flourished as Turner (26 not out) and Steve Evans (10no) ensured they batted out the overs.

Ledbury host leaders Garnons tomorrow (1pm).

The seconds are still looking for their first Division Three victory of the season but secured nine points from a 218-run home defeat by high-flying Colwall thirds.

Colwall got over the early loss of Alex Mackie (4) and built an imposing target.

Aggressive batting by W Bishop (53) and Ben Whitaker (38) saw the visitors reach 100 in the 16th over. After both batsmen fell in quick succession, G Nicolson (52), Ashley Jones (138) and Stuart Martin (44) continued the good work to fire Colwall to 379 all out.

Ledbury gained maximum bowling points for the first time this season but could not chase down the large total, despite a brisk start.

Rob Yeoman (24) and Chris Ritchie (30) added 64 for the first wicket in 14 overs.

Dave Peacock, returning after injury, compiled 63 to ensure the town achieved a respectable 161-8. Ledbury visit Garnons seconds tomorrow.