Cricket is back!

The cricket season got underway on Saturday and a first for several years was a full fixture list completed in the Shropshire County Cricket League opening day.

But it wasn't a good start to the season for the leading local clubs, with both Newtown and Welshpool failing to score enough runs batting first while Montgomery couldn’t do enough for outright victory.

In Division One, Newtown were bowled out for 164 in the 41^st over but it wasn’t enough as Pontesbury made it home with just two wickets to spare.

Welshpool could only make 82 after being put in to bat by Bishops Castle who cruised home in the 29^th over for the loss of five wickets in Division Two.

Also in Division Two, Montgomery made 157-9 after being put in to bat by Wheaton Ashton who held out on the final wicket for a share of the spoils after scoring just 115.

But Guilsfield started their new era under Andy Trow in Division Four with an emphatic win after posting 200 at Quatt III. In reply, the hosts were reduced to 111 all out.

Promoted Montgomery II started life in Reserve Division Two with a defeat at home to Wroxeter Grove II.

In Reserve Division Three, relegated Newtown II lost at home to Corvedale II after being dismissed for just 71 and Welshpool II shared the spoils with Shrewsbury 4ths in a high scoring game where Pool had set a target of 282-3. The visitors held out on 241-2 off their 40 overs.