Welshpool’s fine run in Shropshire Division Three continued with a low scoring win at Maesydre.
Tom Bowen (3-11) led the assault as Welshpool whittled out visitors Column for just 64, but the response was far from convincing with seven wickets lost on the way to a win. Suhair PK (22) top scored.
Pool leapfrogged Guilsfield & Llandrinio in the table after the villagers once again suffered defeat from a strong position.
A mid and late-order collapse saw the villagers slump from 161-4 to 181 all out at Condover with decent knocks from Andy Flann (56) and Gary Meredith (33).
Despite early wickets, the hosts’ mid-order batted well to secure a four-wicket victory in the 34th over. Pace bowler Sajeev Mable took 5-30 in two brilliant spells.
Newtown were set a mighty 277-6 to chase by Whitchurch in the Shropshire Premier League on what was another mixed day for the local clubs.
Griff Davies 3-59 was the main wicket taker for Newtown whose response fell well short on 159 all out despite a half century from opener, Ben Price (69).
Montgomery’s struggles in Division One continued with a big defeat at home to Division One leaders Oswestry who posted a first innings total of 298-7. Alex Bromley took 3-59.
In reply, Monty were dismissed for just 60 in the 17th over to leave them in the bottom two at this early stage in the season.
Llanidloes and Newtown II kept their early promotion bids on track with victories in Division Four.
Will Denham smashed a majestic 128 not out to lead Llanidloes through to a first innings total of 213-3, out of reach for hosts Bomere Heath II who were dismissed for 195 thanks to Denham claiming 5-32 for an early contender of performance of the season.
Newtown II dominated proceedings at Frankton II after posting a target of 234-4 with half centuries for Mike Bellamore (74no), Callum Foulkes (54no) and Danny Foulkes (50).
Frankton were then dismissed for 125 with Riley Bellamore leading the way with 4-35.
Neil Pryce took 4-4 to give Welshpool II a good start at Shrewsbury III in Division Five. His figures saw the hosts restricted to 142 all out, allowing Pat Davies (56) to lead the reply and secure a five wicket win to ease the early season struggles.
Montgomery II were put to the sword by Column II despite Tom Corfield carrying his bat for 48 out of their 101 runs. Column only lost a single wicket on their way to victory.
Guilsfield & Llandrinio II showed better form with the bat, but still fell well short chasing Quatt III’s 237-6. Richard Lewis (41) was the top scorer as the villagers were dismissed for 139.
In Sunday cricket, Newtown III’s target of 280-6 was out of reach for Chelmarsh II who had a good go, finishing on 260-4 in Division Three.
Llanidloes II recorded their first win of the season with a 155-run victory at Wellington VI. Declan Jones took 5-9.
FIXTURES
Premier League
Sentinel v Newtown
Division One
Frankton v Montgomery
Division Three
Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Church Aston
Whitchurch II v Welshpool
Division Four
Newtown II v Bomere Heath II
Llanidloes v Frankwell II
Division Five
Welshpool II v Willey II
Division Six
Alberbury II v Guilsfield & Llandrinio II
Montgomery II v Whittington
Sunday
Division Three
Shifnal IV v Newtown III
Division Four
Llanidloes II v Allscott Heath IV