Newtown still top despite defeat

31/05/2023 @ 09:22

Newtown are still top of MSG Shropshire Division One despite a defeat at fellow title-chasing Allscott Heath on Saturday.

After being told to bowl first, it was a long day in the field for Newtown who were set a target of 253-3 to chase.

Early wickets fell in reply, and despite some decent mid-order resistance from skipper Tom Anderson (40), David Anthony (33) and Craig Davies (26), they finished well short on 157. Despite the defeat, they hold on to top spot, with a reduced lead.

There were defeats for both Welshpool and Montgomery in Division Three.

Welshpool’s 173 all out was chased down by Quatt II with an over to spare despite Henry Jones-Perot’s 61 giving them a fighting chance.

Monty were also hunted down at Church Aston after Rob Bennett (65) and Charlie Kinsey (48) had helped them set a target of 186-7. But their hosts secured a four-wicket win with two overs to spare.

Opening batsman David Williams scored a match-winning century for Guilsfield & Llandrinio against Frankton II in Division Four.

Earlier, Katie Parfitt continued to lead the way with the ball, spinning her way to 4-31, and teenager Dylan Keighley bowled a fiery 2-19 as the visitors chalked up a decent 171-9.

Williams then held firm to bat for 26.2 overs and ensure his 100 was scored with the winning boundary for a five-wicket win. Rhodri Davies added 25.

Llanidloes lost top spot in Division Five after Beacon II set a massive 261-6 for them to chase.

Andrew Jones (31) and Matthew Savage (35no) played their part but Llani were off the pace and finished well short on 150-8.

Finley Bellamore took 5-24 as Newtown II eased past Much Wenlock for an eight-wicket win.

Mike Bellamore then smashed 50 not out, and the returning Matt Knight added 28 as Newtown moved up to fifth in Division Five.

Montgomery II eased their early season Division Six woes with a resounding victory at home to Ludlow III who were dismissed for 88, thanks largely to Tom Corfield’s incredible spell of 6-7.

Earlier, skipper Corfield hit 68 and Shaun Randall made 48 as Monty set an imposing target of 207-8.

Nick Roberts (32) top scored for Welshpool II, but 155-5 was never going to be enough to stop Allscott Heath II who cruised home in the 29^th over with just three wickets lost.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio II skipper Gary Griffiths turned in his best performance for the club, taking six wickets and notching a half century to lead his side to victory at Sentinel III and remain top of Division Eight.

Left arm spinner, Griffiths, finished with 6-10 to wipe out the host’s mid-order as Sentinel finished on 122-9 from their 40 overs.

He then carried his bat for an unbeaten 56 to guide his Guils through to the seven-wicket win and top spot.

CRICKET: Saturday fixtures

Mansfield Sports Group Shropshire League

Division One

Newtown v Chirk

Division Three

Montgomery v St George’s

Ludlow v Welshpool

Division Four

Whitchurch II v Guilsfield & Llandrinio

Division Five