Luan leads the way

Luan Franken blitzed the Shelton II batting line-up to secure a comfortable victory for Newtown in MSG Shropshire League Division One.

The South African took 5-19 from 11 overs to pave the way for John Anthony (31) and Matt Knight (27no) to ease the hosts through to victory and up to fifth in the table.

Montgomery were set 321-6 by Sentinel II in Division Two despite Joe Haycock taking four wickets.

Monty were eventually all out for 166, with Haycock (37) top scoring, to remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Welshpool enjoyed the lion’s share of the points at home to Newport in Division Three, but couldn’t quite get the win required to keep the pressure on at the top.

Batting first, Pool reached 151 all out with Nick Davies (36) top scoring, but despite the best efforts of Matt McWhinnie (3-37), victory couldn’t be achieved with the visitors holding out on 112-6.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio were beaten by the weather and settled for six points against promotion chasing Frankton II in Division Four.

After being put into bat, Frankton II were moving along steadily at 137-1 after 28 overs but as the rains returned for the fourth time at around 5.15pm at the LHG Oval, the skippers shook hands and called it a day.

It was a disappointing day for Llanidloes and Newtown II in Division Five with defeats for both.

Newtown slumped to defeat at Church Stretton who chased down their 147, while Llanidloes were beaten at home by league leaders Whitchurch II despite setting an impressive 186-7.

Tom Corfield (60) and Sam Higgs (49) were in good nick as Montgomery II posted a first innings 182-8 from their 35 overs in Division Six. And they held on for a winning draw with Column II finishing five runs short with six down.

Welshpool II kept their Division Seven promotion hopes on track with a low scoring winning draw at Lilleshall II.

Mat Sherwood made 48 as Pool posted 139-9 from their 40 overs, restricting their hosts to 130-9 with the Gannon brothers of Will and Adam taking three wickets apiece.