Bowlers boost Newtown

A superb spell of bowling from Dave Anthony gave Newtown a hard earned victory over Bridgnorth to bank some crucial early Division One points.

The paceman took 4-27 off 12 overs as the visitors crumbled to 106 all out chasing Newtown’s modest total of 135.

Runs had been hard to come by, with only David Laird (69) getting to grips with the Bridgnorth attack, and his knock proved the difference.

Welshpool returned from Sentinel II with a lesser share of the Division Two points, thanks to skipper Russell Cadwallader digging deep to frustrate their hosts who had raced to 261-3.

Despite the long day in the field, Welshpool responded well with their experienced skipper smashing a superb 102 to ensure his side finished on 186-4 for a losing draw and seven points.

Also in Division Two, an inspired bowling performance from Alex Bromley guided Montgomeryto a 48-run victory at Forton.

Montgomery batted first and made 145-8 with Thomas Corfield and Ieuan Griffiths top scoring with 22 runs apiece.

There was also a late cameo from tailenders Tom Hughes (19 not out) and Patrick Fletcher (16 not out), with the former thrilling spectators with a massive six in the closing moments of the innings.

In reply, Forton were bowled out for 97 as Alex Hughes returned home with a six-wicket haul for just 26 runs. Aaron Ruff-Cock took 3-29 and Eddie Bennett got 1-19.

The Division Five local derby went the way ofNewtown IIwho put Montgomery II to the sword.

Batting first the home side were all out for 64, with the visiting skipper Jono Davies taking 6-16 off 14 overs. Matthew Jones top scored for Montgomery with 19.

In reply Newtown lost just one wicket - a peach of a delivery by youngster Lennon Brian - as Dai Brown (40 not out) and Ian Hancocks (19 not out) led Newtown to victory. 

One positive for Montgomery was the debut performance of 15-year-old Kofi Davies. The youngster bowled three tight overs and gave nothing away in the field.

It wasn’t the best of starts for Guilsfieldwho showed promise with the ball, but were undone by a lack of runs in Division Six.

Having elected to field on a damp wicket, the bowling attack managed to restrict the hosts, Willey II, to 130-9 with the returning Sam Birch (3-30) and Allan Williams (4-26) posing plenty of problems.

But Guilsfield’s wickets fell at regular intervals, with only Jordan Evans (28) and Ben Davies (16) showing some resilience as they were dismissed in the 29th over.

Llanidloesgot off the mark in Division Seven with a 23-run victory over Allscott Heath, despite only setting 115 to chase. The Swallow attack of Ioan and Russell swooped in with seven wickets between them to reduce the visitors to 92 all out.

It was a disappointing day in Division Eight for Welshpool IIwho were dismissed for just 70 against Albrighton. But the Shropshire side were made to work hard for their win by Rupert Redway (4-23), eventually reaching victory with seven wickets lost.