Montgomery hit early form
Batting first, Montgomery posted 174-9 before rattling out their opposition for just 45 inside 25 overs.
After missing the first two games of the season as result of the weather, the 24 points has given the Lymore-based side the perfect platform to launch their title challenge and bounce straight back to Division One.
Tim Davies top scored with 32 while skipper Sam Williams made an important 25 coming in at number seven. There were also runs for Rob Bennet (25), Tom Corfield (19) and Alex Bromley (16no). Williams completed a man-of-the-match performance by collecting 4-6 to secure victory.
Newtown returned from Ludlow with another defeat in the Premier League after struggling to register a decent target to defend.
A week after being dismissed for 49 against Worfield, Newtown could only go one better with a disappointing 50 on a tricky wicket in South Shropshire.
But Newtown made a fight of it, taking six wickets as Ludlow stumbled their way to victory.
It was a long day for hosts Welshpool in the field after they rued putting Allscott into bat in Division One. Runs came easy for the visitors as they cruised to 254 all out despite three wickets apiece for openers Joe Monk and vice-captain, Mat McWhinnie. In reply, Welshpool fell well short on 104 all out.
Guilsfield were in swashbuckling form in Division Four, dismissing a young Llanidloes side for just 46 runs.
And it was the change bowlers of debutant spinner Bobby Gill and medium pacer Sam Griffiths that did the damage with four wickets apiece from a devastating spell.
The response was rapid with the target reached for the loss of just two wickets in the fifth over.
Meanwhile in Reserve Division One, Montgomery Seconds lost to St George Seconds.
Despite a strong bowling and fielding performance, St Georges scored 211. Rob Yewdall claimed 3-56 and was supported by Neil Tuffin (2-51) and Lennon Bryan (2-33).
In reply Montgomery made a poor start, losing their first four batsmen for as many runs, but when Yewdall came to the crease to score a quick 30, followed by a similar approach from Gareth Jones (15), Ian Fletcher (17no) and Dave Jones (19) it boosted the confidence of all the team going into next week.
In Reserve Division Two, Newtown Seconds were bowled out for 71 with a 38 from Ian Hancocks sparing further frustration. The bowlers played their part though, taking seven Ludlow wickets to make a fight of it.
The performance of the day came from Welshpool Seconds’ Matt Sherwood who smashed a fantastic 139 in their winning draw against Albrighton in Reserve Division Three.
Sherwood’s knock lifted Pool to 229-9, and despite Rupert Redway taking 4-31, another century from captain, Steve Cowie, saw Albrighton hold out for 208-8.
PICTURE (by Darren Hyland): Action from the Guilsfield v Llanidloes match
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