Centuries galore as batsmen enjoy the spotlight

08/06/2023 @ 11:51

Newtown have clung on to top spot in the MSG Shropshire Division One despite suffering a home defeat at Chirk on an eventful day of cricket across the area.

After deciding to bat first, Newtown struggled to 131-9 from their 45 overs with Griff Davies top scoring with 33.

Chirk’s response was patient, but they reached victory for the loss of five wickets.

A fantastic century from Nick Davies led Welshpool to a fantastic win at Ludlow II in MSG Shropshire Division Three.

Davies hit 131 and fellow opener Lance Parkes made 63 as Welshpool amassed a mighty 305-6 from their 45 overs.

The hosts batted out their 40 overs, but could only make 188-8, handing Welshpool a mighty 117-run win that boosts their mid-table position.

Montgomery have joined the early Division Three promotion pushers by moving into fourth after beating St George’s II by nine wickets.

There were three wickets apiece for Alex Bromley, Nathan Smith and Patrick Fletcher as the visitors were reduced to 108 all out.

Rob Bennett (37) and Shaun Randall (35) both finished unbeaten to secure a nine-wicket win.

The wins for both Welshpool and Monty set it up nicely for this weekend’s local derby.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio were set a daunting 236-8 to chase at Whitchurch II in Division Four.

Gary Meredith (3-50) and Duncan Todd (3-48) toiled hard for their rewards, but the target proved out of reach with skipper, Dave Lewis (41), Todd (32) and Rhodri Parfitt (20) doing their best, but eventually being dismissed for 183.

Llanidloes and Newtown II kept their promotion chases on track with victories in Division Five.

Will Denham hit 111 as Llanidloes cruised to a big 174-run win at Much Wenlock.

Denham’s fine innings ensured Llani reached a formidable 217-2, before Ryan Jones took a scintillating 7 wickets for six runs from eight incredible overs to reduce the hosts to 43 all out.

There was another local century scored by Newtown II’s Mike Bellamore who smashed his way to an unbeaten 131 at Iscoyd and Fenns Bank.

His incredible knock, that included five sixes and 18 boundaries, propelled Newtown II through to 275-5, proving out of reach for the hosts who finished on 253-8. Bellamore also topped the bowling figures with 3-30.

Welshpool II put struggling Column II to the sword after bowling them out for 79 in Division Six with Harry Bowen (3-20) leading the assault. Dan Chodecki (40) led the chase with victory secured for the loss of four wickets.

Montgomery II are looking over their shoulders after suffering a nine wicket-defeat at Wroxeter & Uppington II. Brian Corfield (31) top scored as Monty were dismissed for 112 - no problem for the hosts who lost just one wicket on their way to the win.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio II’s skipper Gary Griffiths continues to lead by example after another solid all-round display against Cae Glas II at the LHG Oval to keep his team top of Division Eight.

Griffiths (2-21) ably assisted Garry Foster (3-31) as the visitors reached 178-8 from their 40 overs. He then scored 47 runs opening the batting, with Alex Parry (30) and Richard Lewis (20) also chipping in so that victory was secured in the 35^thover with three wickets to spare.

CRICKET: Saturday fixtures

Mansfield Sports Group Shropshire League

Division One

Frankton v Newtown

Division Three

Welshpool v Montgomery

Division Four

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Harpers

Division Five

Newtown II v Cae Glas

Llanidloes v Iscoyd & Fenns Bank

Division Six