Bad day for Newtown and Monty

Brimming with confidence after last week’s victory at Broseley, Newtown travelled to bottom club Allscott hopeful of gaining more points in the Premier League.

 

Captain Tony Springer won the toss on a bone dry batting strip and elected to bat but the decision backfired with Dave Laird departing for a golden duck after a freak delivery that seamed in a mile.

 

Despite the early loss, Steve Davies and Tom Goodman rode their luck on a bouncy track with Goodman dropped three times amongst some strong shots to make 25 and Davies was eventually caught for 29 off the bowling of Martin Jones (2-34).

 

The introduction of wily spinner Ian Pollard was a masterstroke as he ripped through the middle order with figures of 5-33, accounting for the wicket of Springer, who batted well before falling lbw for 31. Ricky Davies batted well on his return to the first team but was unfortunate to smash a long hop to square leg. Newtown posted a below par 147 all out knowing they were at least 30 runs short going into lunch.

 

After the restart, the dependable Craig Davies blew away the top order to leave them reeling on 23-3. Wicketkeeper Jason Allen was fighting a lone hand and was involved in the pivotal moment in the game when he was dropped whilst in the 20s. He took advantage to record a well compiled 54 before becoming another victim of Craig Davies whose spell of 5-77 provided Newtown hope. A one-legged Carl Starling (due to injury whilst fielding) and brother Chris seemed to put the game to bed with scores of 33 and 22 respectively. However, two wickets in two balls from youngster Dave Laird renewed hope with 10 runs needed for Allscott but only two wickets remaining.

 

Unfortunately, the finish ended the wrong way for Newtown with the pairing of Ali Dovey and Ian Pollard held on for the victory.

 

Springer commented: “It was a game they should have won. We hope to put it behind us when we face league newcomers Worfield on Saturday after a t20 game at the Recreation Ground on Thursday evening against Much Wenlock. Why not come along and show some support for the lads?”

 

Welshpool are back in the Division One points after putting in an improved performance in a rain-affected game against Condover.

 

With the match reduced to 35 overs, Welshpool charged to 180-5 with confident opener Joe Birch smashing 62 before being caught. Phil Lewis made a welcome return to the team with 38 after coming in at four while middle order batsmen Rob Birch, Rupert Shingler and Rob Pengelly all contributed to the decent total.

 

Condover got off to the worst possible start in reply, losing their first wicket with the first ball which was a full-toss gently hit to skipper Ernie Birch. Sam Birch (3-11 off 7) then ripped through the next three batters and when Shingler chipped in with 2-9 off 7 overs, Welshpool were in command. But a stubborn rearguard saw Condover hold on for the losing draw on 93-9.

 

Also in Division One, Montgomery’s decent run ended at Forton who had bowler Matt MacInnes in destructive form.

 

Electing to bowl, Monty were chasing 180-6 and started their reply well with Tim Davies (41), Aaron Ruff-Cock (26) and Ed Davies (25) all laying strong foundations. But MacInnes tore through the Monty mid-order and ended with figures of 5-32 as Montgomery fell short on 143.

 

Montgomery II completed a disappointing day for the club, suffering a five-wicket defeat to Hodnet and Peplow. Jonathan Williams (53) top scored for Monty as they were bowled out for 134 and the visitors reached their target in the 37^th over.

 

David Jones smashed 73 as Guilsfield continued to push the pacesetters in Division Five with a winning draw against Hales.

 

The division’s newcomers are show no signs of being overwhelmed with match-winning performances coming from all quarters. This time it was Jones’ knock that led the way. David Hughes (38) and Matt Jones (26) also chipped in with runs as Guilsfield blasted 216-9 off their 35 overs.

 

In reply, and despite a pair of wickets for Hughes, Hales remained stubborn on 124-5 to deny Guilsfield full points.

 

 

In Division Six, Welshpool III dominated at Bishop’s Castle, after bowling them out for 85. Rupert Redway (2-14), Keiran Evans (2-17) and Alan Williams (3-7) shared the workload.

 

Welshpool’s batters didn’t hang around with openers Dave Whitehouse (32mo) and Mat Whitehouse (39) leading the way for a decisive eight-wicket win.