Newtown, Welshpool remain in title hunts

21/08/2024 @ 11:10

A brilliant mid-order avalanche of runs has put Newtown firmly in the box seat as they opened up a 14-point lead at the top of the Shropshire Division One.

David Laird (84), Marco Malan (61) and Tom Anderson (52 not out) turbo charged Newtown to a first innings total of 310-7, well out of reach of Bomere Heath who were dismissed for 178.

Anderson (3-52) and David Anthony (3-15) led the onslaught to propel Newtown a step closer to the title.

Montgomery sit comfortably in fifth in Division Two after chasing down Bridgnorth’s 236-5 thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 100 from opener Rob Bennett. Aaron Ruff-Cock earlier took 4-52.

Skipper Matt McWhinnie took 4-25 as his Welshpool side kept their promotion hopes in Division Three on track with a six-wicket win over struggling Oswestry II, who were dismissed for 99. Tom Bowen top scored with 29 in reply.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio have moved up to sixth following a superb showing at Pontesbury. After being put into bat, Sandeep Salin (72no) and Andy Flann (57) helped the villagers post 235-5 declared (after 38 overs), opening the door for Salin (3-57) and Dave Jones (3-29) to finish the hosts off for 154.

Joe Pritchard hit a match-winning century as Llanidloes stalled Newtown II’s Division Four title bid.

Pritchard (101) and Rob Davies (87no) responded superbly to Newtown’s 229 first innings with a seven-wicket win secured in the 31^st over.

Montgomery and Welshpool’s second strings cemented their Division Six mid-order places with victories on the road.

Rob Yewdall took an incredible 8-25 to help Monty secure a five-wicket win at Column II, while Pool dismissed Harcourt for just 90 to win by four wickets.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio II are also secure in mid-table after an emphatic seven-wicket win over Corvedale at the LHG Oval. Dave Williams (83no) led the response after the visitors set a first innings target of 180.

Fixtures

Division One

Worfield II v Newtown

Division Two

Alberbury v Montgomery

Division Three

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Willey

Wheaton Aston v Welshpool

Division Four

Frankton II v Llanidloes

Newtown II v Church Stretton

Division Six