Lack of runs again for Newtown

Run-shy Newtown found the going tough but made a game of it despite only making 129 all out at Alberbury in the Mansfield Sports Group Division One.

Sam Cooke (39) and Ally Laird (33) were the main contributors as Newtown struggled to get to grips with the border side’s attack.

But the bowlers launched a spirited fightback, at one time having the hosts at 99-7, before a solid eight-wicket partnership saw them home with a three-wicket victory. Paceman Joe Monk took 4-39.

In Division Two, Montgomery’s 142-8 was not enough to defend at Beacon who cruised to victory with four wickets to spare.

Andrew Barker (44) and Sam Williams (28) gave the hosts plenty to think about, but despite a wicket each for six bowlers, the hosts secured the points in the 36^th over.

Mat McWhinnie (52no) and Russell Cadwallader (43) came to Welshpool’s rescue with a 102-run eight wicket partnership to see them through to an excellent 181 all out in Division Three against Albrighton.

McWhinnie (3-17) then took control with the ball and along with Sam Cadwallader (3-32) ensured that the visitors were dismissed for just 127.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio bounced back to form in Division Four with the lion’s share of the points against Cae Glas at the LHG Oval.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, the top-order made up for their shortcomings of the previous week’s defeat, with Duncan Todd in particular looking back to his best with a superbly constructed 67.

Last season’s lead run maker David Williams hit 41, while Dan Brown contributed 22 as Guilsfield set a decent target of 187 after being dismissed in the 39^th over.

To their credit, the Cae Glas batsmen dug in and held out for 118-8 to deny full points, despite the best efforts of Todd (3-15), Steve Griffiths (2-16) and Gary Meredith (2-32).

Another strong all-round performance by Adrian Foulkes propelled Llanidloes to a Division Five win at home to Church Stretton.

Foulkes took 5-43 and Eogan Jones took 3-27 as Llanidloes were set a tough looking total of 169, but Foulkes (25), Will Denham (53) and Rob Davies (25) led the strong Llani reply, with victory secured in the 45^th over with three wickets in the tank.

Danny Foulkes (71) and Ricky Davies (55) led Newtown II to a five-wicket win over Alberbury II who had posted a target of 190-2. The Division Five victory was secured with six balls to spare.

Montgomery II held out for points to deny Beacon II outright victory after being set 201 to chase in Division Six. Tom Corfield was the mainstay, carrying his bat for a patient 45 as Monty finished on 147-8.

Veterans David Whitehouse (64) and Dale Evans (74) led the way with a brilliant opening partnership to guide Welshpool II through to an unassailable 204-4 at Albrighton II in Division Seven.

Rupert Redway (3-3) led the response, but the hosts frustrated Welshpool by holding out on 96-9.