Newtown, Welshpool boost title charges

10/07/2024 @ 11:31

Newtown maintained their relentless pursuit for the Shropshire Division One title with another comfortable victory over Lilleshall.

The decision by the visitors to put Newtown in to bat backfired as half centuries for Ally Laird (56) and Marco Malan (58) saw them declare on 226-8 after 42 overs, with the weather threatening to change.

Malan (5-29) then partnered with Dave Laird (4-25) to destroy Lilleshall for just 111 to go three points behind leaders Bomere Heath.

Montgomery’s rise up the Division Two rankings came to a halt at Frankwell following a three-wicket defeat.

Gaz Bromley (40) top scored for Monty as they posted 190 all out, which sadly wasn’t enough.

Welshpool went top of Division Three after earning enough points before their match at Whitchurch II was abandoned due to rain, but Guilsfield & Llandrinio continued their unpredictable season with a swashbuckling victory over fellow relegation-threatened Oswestry II.

Steve Griffiths (4-9) and the returning Rhodri Parfitt (3-9) combined to dismiss Oswestry II for just 63 at the LHG Oval. Chris Scott top scored with 25 as the villagers eased to a welcome seven-wicket win to move up to the dizzy heights of eighth.

Division Four title chasers Newtown II’s match at Wem II was cancelled, and Llanidloes slipped up at Harpers despite them only managing 134 all out batting first. Adrian Foulkes took 3-20.

But the Llani tail collapsed after a solid start from opener Andrew Jones (35), with them running out of time and finishing their 30 overs with just 124-9 on the board.

The Gannon brothers of Will (3-10) and Adam (3-28) did the damage as Welshpool IIs recorded a four-wicket win at home to Condover II in Division Six. They ensured the visitors could only make 103, with the pair then both finishing unbeaten on 18 to secure victory for Pool in the 31^st over.

Montgomery II were beaten by two wickets at home to Cae Glas after failing to defend 106 all out, despite Tom Corfield taking 4-20.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio II’s Division Seven match at Quayside was another victim of the weather.

Fixtures this Saturday

Division One

Forton v Newtown

Division Two

Montgomery v Broseley

Division Three

Wheaton Aston v Guilsfield & Llandrinio

Welshpool v St Georges II

Division Four

Llanidloes v Hodnet and Peplow