Welshpool edge derby cliffhanger

04/09/2024 @ 09:37

Promotion chasing Welshpool came out on top of the Shropshire Division Three local derby, but were unable to bowl neighbouring Guilsfield & Llandrinio out in a cliff hanger at Maesydre.

Charlie Kinsey (35), Tom Bowen (34) and Lance Parkes (33) contributed towards Pool’s first innings total of 205-7, with Duncan Todd’s 4-66 keeping the target within reach.

But when the visitors collapsed from 27-0 to 34-4 with skipper Matt McWhinnie (5-24) dishing out the punishment, Guilsfield & Llandrinio targeted the unpopular losing draw and held out for 126-9 thanks to a defiant rear-guard innings from Martin Owen (24no).

Meanwhile, David Laird (3-27) and Marco Malan (3-20) combined to help Newtown pull off a scintillating Shropshire Division One victory that keeps them top heading into the final few games of the summer.

The pair were ruthless as Ellesmere were bowled out for 128, but the reply stuttered with only Ally Laird (29) performing for the upper order until Tom Foulkes (19no) brought Newtown home with six wickets down.

Opener Rob Bennett hit a majestic 116 as Montgomery went on a run-bonanza at home against Albrighton to remain on the edge of the promotion places in Division Two.

Bennett’s innings helped Monty pile up 307-7 with fellow opener Andrew Barker (41) and Aaron Ruff-Cock (43) also amongst the runs. In response, Albrighton could only manage 165-5.

There were big wins for Llanidloes and Newtown II in Division Four, with the latter breaking a losing streak to reignite their charge for promotion.

It didn’t start well, with Newtown being dismissed for just 118 at Priorslee, but Evan Smout (6-24) took command to ensure the hosts were all out for 104.

Adrian Foulkes led the Llanidloes attack, taking 4-20 as visiting Condover II were bowled out for 138. He then top-scored with an unbeaten 30 to steer Llani to a five-wicket win.

Skipper Tom Corfield hit 86 to ensure Montgomery II sit securely in Division Six’s mid-table.

He provided the backbone as his team chased down 172-8 set by Harcourt, with Anthony Searle (4-26) also performing well with the ball for Monty.

Welshpool II were beaten in an exciting match at Knockin & Kinnerley II who chased down Pool’s first innings total of 170 all out, with just two wickets left.

Veteran Rupert Shingler’s return to form has coincided with Guilsfield & Llandrinio II’s decent run that has seen them move into the top half of Division Seven.

Shingler (67) and fellow opener Gary Griffiths (31) got the hosts off to a great start chasing Sentinel III’s 187-4, with a seven-wicket victory secured in the 22^nd over.

Fixtures

Division One

Wellington II v Newtown

Division Two

Quatt II v Montgomery

Division Three

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Whitchurch II

Welshpool v Ludlow II

Division Four

Llanidloes v Madeley II

Newtown II v Harpers

Division Six