Newtown in commanding form

Newtown cemented their mid-table spot in the Shropshire Premier League with a commanding run chase at home to struggling Frankton.

After being set a decent target of 174 all out despite 5-49 for Jack Morris, Newtown caught up with Frankton in the 43^rd over thanks to Sam Cooke (53no) and supporting knocks from Morris (29no), Hamish Harding (33) and Tom Goodman (29).

Welshpool’s push for promotion from Division One is still alive following a seven-wicket win in their border derby with Alberbury.

Mat Mcwhinnie took 4-23 as Alberbury’s top order carried the English side through to 177 all out, but it wasn’t enough as Tom Anderson (66no) led the charge for Pool who secured the win in the 30^th over. There were also decent hits from Mat Knight (31no), Nick Davies (31) and Russell Cadwallader (30).

Montgomery were set a monster total to chase by Knockin and Kinnerley. A long day in the field saw the victors make 264-4 after being put in to bat. It was always going to be a big ask but Montgomery’s batsmen folded with only Andrew Barker (43) making any headway as they finished all out for 97.

In the Reserve Divisions, Montgomery II’s batsmen led the way to ensure they remain top of Division Two following an 85-run win over Shifnal. Lennon Bryan (60no) and Brian Corfield (55no) did the lion’s share as Monty posted 187-3 from their 40 overs. In reply Rob Yewdall took 4-23 as the visitors were dismissed for 102.

Newtown II didn’t hang around in beating Forton II who posted a target of 177 to chase. Openers Chris Bound (72) and Sam Morris (65no) ensured it only took 20 overs to secure the win with one wicket lost.

Dan Chodecki smashed 91 as Welshpool II cruised to victory in Division Three with a 97-run win over Ellesmere II. Chodecki was joined by Jordan Harding (54) in the runs as Welshpool elected to bat and made 224-8. In reply, wickets were shared around the Pool bowlers who dismissed the visitors for 127.