Davies stars in Newtown win

Ryan Davies hit form with the bat to steer Newtown through to a crucial Shropshire Premier Cricket League win at St Georges.

After bowling the hosts out for 188, thanks largely to 4-43 from David Anthony, Davies (74no) and opener Tom Goodman (54) brought Newtown home in the 49^th over for the loss of seven wickets. The win keeps them in touch with the chasing pack at the top.

There were wins for both Montgomery and Welshpool in Division One to make it a super day for the local clubs.

Montgomery smashed 234-9 from their 45 overs against Wroxeter who they now leapfrog to move into mid-table. James Corfield (65) and Aaron Ruff-cock (51) did the bulk of the damage before the bowlers took over, dismissing the visitors for 140 with Corfield taking four wickets.

Welshpool chased down Shelton’s 155 with Paul Chapman (43) and Mathew Knight (36) among the runs as they reached their target with eight wickets down.

Guilsfield couldn’t quite make it a full house of wins after losing to Allscott in Division Four. Gary West had earlier made 42 for the villagers who were bowled out for 153, but it wasn’t enough as the visitors sailed through in the 31^st over for the loss of three wickets.

In the reserve divisions, Newtown II picked up an important division two win with Ian Hancock hitting an unbeaten 94 and opener Sam Morris also unbeaten on 52 as they chased down Ludlow II’s 191-5.

Montgomery II earned the lion’s share of points from a winning draw at Iscoyd and Fenns Bank II after Charles Clinton struck a majestic 108 not out to help them build a whopping 250-6. But the hosts held out on 137-6 to deny a full victory.