Centurions sparkle on glorious day for local cricket

12/06/2024 @ 11:11

It was a cracking afternoon for the local batters in the Shropshire Cricket League with a largely successful day for the local clubs.

But it was the bowlers, David Laird (6-21) and Tom Anderson (4-20) who partnered up to destroy Chirk and hand Newtown an unlikely victory in a low scoring encounter in the Division One.

The day started disastrously for hosts Newtown who were skittled out for a disappointing 72, with only Laird (32) having any joy.

But the opening pair of bowlers were relentless, dismissing Chirk for just 44 runs in 17.3 overs to remain second in the table.

Aaron Ruff-Cock hit a majestic century as Montgomery turned on the style with a 147-run victory over Knockin & Kinnerley.

The big hitter struck 16 boundaries and two sixes on his way to an unbeaten 110, with Ieuan Griffiths making 53 to boost Monty’s first innings total to 258-7.

Nathan Smith then took 4-26 to dismiss the visitors for just 111.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio are propping up Division Three, but just six points separate the bottom four following another day of drama.

Fielding first, the Guils were left chasing a mighty 256-9 despite the best efforts of David Williams (4-43).

And the reply looked shaky before mid-order resistance from Duncan Todd (83no) and Luke Roberts (59) saw them finish on 210-7, and pick up a crucial 10 points in defeat.

Welshpool were without a fixture this week.

Skipper Dan Lewis put in a man-of-the-match performance with a magnificent 132 not out to steer his Llanidloes side to a 172-run Division Four victory over Priorslee.

Will Denham added 47 as Llanidloes amassed 272-3 from 40 overs, an unsurmountable target for the visitors who were dismissed for 93. Eogan Jones led the way with 4-10.

Newtown II are third following their four-wicket win at Shrewsbury III who were bowled out for 121, thanks largely to Mike Bellamore who took 4-30, and then went on to hit 50 to secure victory.

Montgomery II won an exciting border derby at Alberbury II in Division Six, chasing down the host’s first innings score of 160 for the loss of four wickets.

Brian Corfield (46), Elwyn Turner (45) and Joe Haycock (36no) were among the runs as the victory eased them away from the relegation zone into mid-table.

Will Gannon took 3-22 as Welshpool II returned from Column II with the points, also in Division Six, after setting a target of 163-8. Column were dismissed for 145.

It was another tough day in the field for Guilsfield & Llandrinio II, suffering a 73-run defeat at the LHG Oval against Coton Hall, who posted 264-6. Martin Owen (3-23) was the pick of the bowlers.

In response, the in-form Jinil Thilakan smashed 57 and Garry Foster (28) as they finished short on 191-9 to remain in mid-table in Division Seven.

Fixtures

Division One

Bomere Heath v Newtown

Division Two

Bridgnorth II v Montgomery

Division Three

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Pontesbury

Oswestry II v Welshpool

Division Four

Newtown II v Llanidloes

Division Six