Good Knight for Newtown

Matt Knight struck a fine 86 as Newtown returned from Wellington II with the lion’s share of the points in the MSG Shropshire Division One.

Knight’s knock from 82 balls propelled Newtown to 230-3, with fellow opener John Anthony contributing 47 towards a 122 first wicket stand.

In-form Joe Monk (3-30) then led the bowling response as the hosts slipped off the pace, but held out for 158-7 to deny Newtown an outright win.

Montgomery were set an ominous 267 all out by Ellesmere in Division Two, with Aaron Ruff-Cock (3-52) the main wicket taker.

It was always going to be a tough ask, with Monty eventually falling to 181 all out with Rob Bennett (38) top scoring.

Rob Anderson took 6-44 from 10.5 overs to lead Welshpool back to winning ways in Division Three at home to Church Aston.

Anderson came on to thwart the decent start shown by the visitors, who were eventually bowled out for 130.

Lance Parkes top scored in the reply with 36 to steer Welshpool home to a seven-wicket win and a place at the top of the league table.

It was a long day in the field for Guilsfield & Llandrinio who were set 308-3 to chase by Column at the LHG Oval.

Martin Owen (45) and Duncan Todd (37) then frustrated the Column attack by holding out on 114-7 for a losing draw in Division Four.

Newtown II sit joint top of Division Five, after a comfortable win over St George’s who were bowled out for 149.

An unbeaten 56 from Dave Anthony from mid-order eased the earlier nerves to ensure Newtown secured a three-wicket win in the 37^th over.

Llanidloes suffered a 107-run defeat at Much Wenlock who had posted 243-7. In reply, Llanidloes finished on 136-9 with Andrew Jones (39) top scoring. 

Montgomery II defended 149 all out against Ludlow III to secure a welcome win in Division Six with Matt Jones (49) and Rob Yewdall (36) making most of the runs.

Yewdall then took three wickets as Montgomery reduced the visitors to 131 all out to lift them into mid table.

Will Gannon produced a bowling masterclass to take 4-14 from 10 overs as Welshpool III continued their form at the top of Division Seven.

The youngster’s efforts meant hosts Beacon III were dismissed for just 58, enabling his batsmen to cruise through to a nine-wicket win.