Newtown clinch Shropshire League title

The champagne corks were popping in Newtown on Saturday night as the town’s cricket team completed a remarkable season by clinching the Shropshire Division One title, and earning a return to the prestigious Premier League.

The mid-afternoon showers brought an early end to their match at Lilleshall to pick up eight points which was enough to secure the crown with one match remaining this Saturday.

Messages of congratulations flooded in from across Mid Wales cricket, with Chairman Paul Hawthorn saying the club is already beginning preparations for life in the top flight.

“I am so proud of our lads gaining promotion to the Prem,” he said. “They are a great bunch of talented individuals that have really come together as a team to get over the line.

“A special mention for Dave Anthony who has skippered brilliantly. A huge thanks to the committee and ground staff who have worked so hard to get the club where we are. Our sponsors and supporters have excelled themselves over the recent years and we look forward to providing them with top quality Premier League cricket next season.”

Ally Laird completed his first century for the club on Saturday with an unbeaten 128 as Newtown posted a whopping 396-9 from their 45 overs, but the heavens opened at the break bringing an early end to proceedings.

The club could be set for a double celebration this weekend, with the second string also in the running for promotion by lying in second in Division Four, a position that would ensure they go up, should they hold on to it on Saturday.