All to play for as cricket enters second half of the season

05/07/2023 @ 12:51

John Anthony smashed a memorable century as Newtown enter the second half of the season second in the Mansfield Sport Group Shropshire Division One.

Opener Anthony carried his bat for an unbeaten 135 as Newtown set 232-7 for Lilleshall to chase at the DPD Recreation Ground. Tom Anderson contributed 38.

But despite never being in the chase, the visitors denied Newtown outright victory by holding on for 132-8, despite the best efforts of David Anthony (4-50).

Montgomery have emerged as serious Division Three promotion contenders after demolishing title favourites Column by seven wickets.

Three wickets each for Ed Bennett and Nathan Smith led to Column being dismissed for just 87, with Monty making short work of it and Aaron Ruff-Cock (39no) proving the backbone following a shaky start.

This fifth win on the trot sees them maintain fourth, but breathing down the necks of the promotion places.

Welshpool came unstuck at home to Wem, chasing 165-9 after Mat McWhinnie (4-32) and Sam Cadwallader (3-25) returned excellent figures.

But the reply faltered with only Paul Chapman (42no) and Cadwallader (26) making any inroads as Welshpool were bowled out for 106.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio recorded another Andy Flann-inspired victory that has moved them up to second in Division Four.

Flann has been an inspired new signing and smashed an unbeaten 82 to see them through to a comfortable victory at a youthful Bridgnorth III.

Earlier, Steve Griffiths took four wickets and seconds skipper Gary Griffiths, who was available with them not in action, took three wickets to restrict the hosts to 135 all out.

Flann didn’t hang around, and was supported by Rhodri Parfitt (24no) and Chris Scott (21) to steer his side home in the 18^th over with just one wicket lost.

Llanidloes are just a point off the Division Five peak after a hard-earned 37-run victory against Calverhall.

Will Denham (74), Dan Lewis (58) and Adrian Foulkes (38no) provided fine contributions towards Llani’s 229-3, before Foulkes (4-39) broke a resilient Calverhall reply which ended on 197.

Newtown II slipped off the promotion pace with a defeat at Church Stretton despite in-form Mike Bellamore (100no) and Danny Foulkes (94) putting them in the driving seat at 265-3.

But the hosts showed why they are table toppers by chasing down the total in the 38^th over with just two wickets lost.

Alex Haycock (88), Mathew Jones (45) and Elwyn Turners (58no) were among the runs as Montgomery II eased their Division Six relegation worries with a fine 21-run victory at Column II.

Monty posted 249-5, proving just enough with the hosts bowled out for 228 in the 39^th over with Craig Pearce (3-27) leading the charge.

Tom Bowen (52) hit a half century but it couldn’t prevent Welshpool II suffering a six-wicket defeat against fellow mid-tablers Knockin & Kinnerley II.

After electing to bat, Welshpool were dismissed for 143, allowing their hosts to cruise home in the 34^th over.

There was no action in Division Eight, so Guilsfield & Llandrinio II enter the second half of the season in pole position.

CRICKET: Saturday fixtures

Division One

Bomere Heath v Newtown

Division Three

Willey v Welshpool

Broseley v Montgomery

Division Four

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Condover

Division Five

Llanidloes v Calverhall