Newtown slump to basement

 

A century by Matthew Cohen set the scene for the hosts who overcame an early assault from Newtown bowler Dave Anthony (4-60) to set an ominous total of 230. Anthony ripped through the top three batsmen but by the time he also grabbed Cohen’s (100) scalp, Wem were well on their way.

 

In reply, Newtown made a fight of it with Tom Goodman smashing a fine 61, but wickets fell regularly and when Josh Gough (5-41) accounted for the middle order, it was a case of whether they could hold out. But they eventually fell short on 170.

 

There was more disappointment for the Second XI who were skittled out for just 41 at home to Wem II.

 

Jason Davies took an incredible 5-3 off eight overs to restrict Newtown with extras (14) top scoring. Wem in reply lost two wickets to Dai Brown as they eased to victory leaving Newtown II one place and four points above bottom.