Pair make cricket history

Andrew Barker and Ieuan Griffiths made history on Saturday when they produced a 284 run partnership to guide Montgomery to a convincing victory over Shrewsbury Thirds.

Opening batsman Barker finished unbeaten on 154 while Griffiths fell from the last ball of the innings for a superb 139 to see Montgomery post a mammoth 401-3.

The 284 partnership is the biggest in the history of Montgomery Cricket Club and will live long in the memories of those present at Shrewsbury’s Unison Ground.

Aaron Ruff-Cock was also in blistering form before he was caught and bowled for 65.

Shrewsbury Thirds’ response got off to a good start with their openers Joshua Anders (38) and Steven Froggartt (67) scoring freely.

Opening bowler Patrick Fletcher bowled well for no success - going for just 26 runs off 13 overs - but the turning point came when skipper Sam Williams rewarded his decision to bowl himself with an incredible six wickets to add to the four he took last week.

Speaking after the game, Williams said: “It was a incredible day with some outstanding performances that made for very entertaining watching. 

“I'm very proud of the performance and a huge congratulations to Andrew and Ieuan - you don't see a 285 partnership very often!

“After scoring the runs the boys then bowled extremely tight and everyone performed very well in the field, putting the pressure on the batsmen which ultimately led to them being all out.”

Meanwhile, Montgomery Seconds won their first game of the season with an excellent performance at home to Wem Seconds.

Another good outing in the field limited Wem to just 88 runs with Dave Jones taking 3-27 and Neil Tuffin 2-13. Rob Yewdall added two more superb catches to his showreel of wonderful takes.

In reply, Montgomery knocked off the required runs for the loss of four wickets with Yewdall (25 not out) and Lennon Bryan (25 not out) starring with the willow.