Last day drama for local clubs

Welshpool and Guilsfield cricket clubs will be going all out for victories as their fates for next season hang in the balance on the last day of the ‘summer’ this weekend.

Welshpool pulled themselves out of the relegation zone with a tremendous victory at Wheaton Aston to keep their Division Three survival hopes alive.

The bowlers restricted their hosts to 161-7 before Lance Parkes (47) and Paul Chapman (47) took control to steer Pool to victory for the loss of three wickets and a vital win.

Meanwhile, Guilsfield & Llandrinio are just one point off the top of Division Five after another thrilling day at the LHG Oval.

Deciding to bowl first against a well-drilled Knockin & Kinnerley II, Guilsfield found themselves in a fight as the visitors made 163, giving the title chasers plenty to think about. 

Allan Williams (4-34) was again the lead bowler to ensure he remains well clear at the top of the league’s wicket takers.

Openers Sam Griffiths (33) and David Williams (26) made a good start, but wickets tumbled until Rhodri Davies (15no) and Andy Pugh (26) came together to ease their worries and secure a three-wicket win in the 39th over.

They now travel to Wellington 4ths on Saturday hoping that leaders Column will drop points at Newtown II.

Sam Cooke smashed 119 as Newtown bounced back to form with a big win over Beacon in Division One.

His century saw Newtown set 213, allowing Tom Anderson (5-11) to take centre stage and reduce the visitors to 99 all out.

Montgomery are safe in Division Two, but will still want a strong final match after suffering a 99-run defeat at promotion chasing St Georges II.

After being set 245-9, Monty’s reply ended well short on 146 with an incredible 61 extras making up a bulk of the score.

Brandom Baynham took 4-16 as Newtown II returned to winning ways in Division Five at Beacon II to ease their relegation concerns.

Baynham’s efforts meant the hosts could only make 117-8, a comfortable target for the batsmen as Matt Knight (52no) and Adam Knight (35) eased the visitors home in the 31st over.

Rob Davies smashed 109 from 77 balls to elevate Llanidloes spirits in Division Six in their derby at Montgomery II.

His tremendous knock, and 58 from Adrian Foulkes meant Llanidloes could reach a formidable 219-6, well out of reach for Monty who finished on 163-5 after Rob Yewdall (61no) and Ian Fletcher (44) frustrated the Llani attack.

Six ducks in a row meant that Welshpool II were well beaten at Corvedale who claimed the Division Seven title in the process. Welshpool were restricted to just 50-8, no problems for the hosts who secured the title with a nine-wicket win.