Hard going for Montgomery

 

But for Welshpool it was an even harder pill to swallow after they dropped Cound’s match winning batsman Graham Trow on 0 and 29 as he went on to make 144. He laid the foundation for a big total of 266-7 despite the efforts of Sam Birch (5-61).

 

In reply Welshpool’s batters were not able to match the home team as wickets fell regularly and they were only able to reach 165 before being bowled out. Rob Birch struck 68.

 

Montgomery suffered a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Wroxeter and Uppingham after scoring a healthy 201 off their 45 overs.

 

Ed Davies (65) and Richard Blayney (61) led the way along with a useful unbeaten 29 from Andrew Barker. Nick Bevan smashed 71 and Bryan Jones hit an unbeaten 101 as they reached the total for the loss of one wicket with seven overs to spare.

 

In Division Four, Montgomery II chalked up seven points after a winning draw against Wroxeter and Uppingham II thanks largely to an unbeaten 74 from Jack Williams and 43 from Brian Corfield as they set a target of 195.

 

The replay faltered to 164-7 with Aaron Ruff-cock taking 3-41.

 

Guilsfield kept their foot on the gas in Division Five by chasing down 180 runs set by Ludlow and South Shropshire III.

 

But it was looking unlikely after openers Sam Griffiths and Dave Hughes were dismissed for ducks and all-rounder Dan Brown also went for 16. But veteran Dave Harris and big hitting Dave Jones steadied the ship with half centuries to steer the title chasers home with plenty of time to spare.

 

Welshpool II kept their promotion hopes alive with a dominant display against Market Drayton.  Will Evans broke the shackles to hit 71 for Market Drayton but his side was all out for 142. Mat MacWhinnie returned figures of 5-42.

 

In reply Welshpool were in fine form despite losing Dale Evans for 4. They quickly knocked off the runs with Ryan Davies scoring 63 not out and Dan Chodecki 68 not out.

 

In Division Six, Welshpool III found the going difficult against Wem who posted 252-6 with Christian Barrow scoring 133 not out. In reply, the Welshpool batters found it difficult and only skipper, Dave Whitehouse (47), made any headway.  Welshpool were eventually out for 146.