Newtown overcome champions

 

The match against reigning champions Madeley had been eagerly anticipated, and it did not disappoint with a game that had plenty of drama.

 

Batting first, Madeley struggled early on with some devastating slow swing bowling for Craig Davies (3-25 off 16) and Dave Anthony (1-44) accounting for the top order of Lloyd (22), Pugh (4), Dirkin (12) and the dangerous Prince for 22.

 

Jono Davies entered the attack and dispatched their professional for 0 and bowled economically as former Newtown batsman Richard Smout came to the crease. John Anthony claimed the coveted wicket of Smout for eight with Sam Cooke taking one of four great catches behind the stumps. Laycock (32) gave some impetus to the innings before skipper Tony Springer claimed his wicket, caught by Dave Laird, with Madeley finishing on 144-7.

 

Although reachable target, Newtown's batting has been woeful at times and pre innings nerves were dispelled when Steve Davies smashed 17 off the first over. However, Laird was stumped for 0 in the second over and Dai Brown came and went for 7 to leave the game finely poised, especially when Davies was out to a questionable LBW on 25.

 

More wickets fell before the match-winning partnership of Springer and Tom Foulkes came to the crease. But just when it looked like they would be easing to the total, Springer fell LBW to the impressive Dirkin (4-39). Davies was then well caught down the legside for 0 to bring John Anthony to the crease to join Foulkes with 26 still required.

 

The pair steadied the ship, despite Anthony being dropped early, to secure victory with Foulkes also bringing up his half century.

 

Skipper Springer, who hit a fine captain’s innings, said: “It was a magnificent victory and special mention must go to Craig and Jono Davies for economical bowling, Sam Cooke for four catches and Tom Foulkes for a splendid knock of 51 when under pressure.”