Monty, Pool in promotion driving seats

A majestic century from James Corfield has put Montgomery in the Shropshire Division Two driving seat, with Welshpool emerging as their main title challengers.

Corfield’s unbeaten 120 from 71 balls included a whopping seven sixes and 10 fours to put his side in control against Iscoyd and Fenns Bank on a day when his teammates struggled for runs.

But Monty’s 214-7 turned out to be enough as Aaron Ruff-cock’s 6-11 reduced the Shropshire side to just 60 all out.

Welshpool, meanwhile, pulled clear in second place with a victory at Tibberton who were restricted to just 147-7 from their 40 overs. Welshpool made short work of the chase with opener Adam Knight smashing 57 to help his side through to victory for the loss of five wickets in the 23^rd over.

Victory against Condover for Newtown leaves them breathing down the necks of Division One leaders Market Drayton, with the bowlers once again leading the way.

Choosing to bowl first, Newtown ripped into the Condover line-up with John Anthony taking a five-wicket haul to reduce them to 69 all out. That was easy picking for Newtown who cruised home for the loss of three wickets in the 17^th over. Tom Foulkes was unbeaten on 32.

Guilsfield moved up to third in Division Four with a crushing 10-wicket win at Beacon. Veteran Dave Harris took 4-17 as Beacon struggled to 64 all out. No wickets were lost as Sam Griffiths (32no) top scored in reply.

In Reserve Division Three, Newtown II lost at home to Shrewsbury 4ths while Welshpool II had a nine-wicket win against Acton Reynald II. In Reserve Division Two, Montgomery II made 170-7 but were unable to dismiss Iscoyd and Fenns Bank II who held out for 80-8.