Can Newtown be toppled?

It is five years since the Montgomeryshire Cricket Knock-out was last played, but one thing hasn’t changed and that’s fact that holders Newtown will once again start as favourites.

The tournament folded when Montgomeryshire Cricket Club called it a day in 2012, but it has been revamped as a T20 knockout featuring all of the area’s top teams.

The launch of the town’s first Festival of Sport has encouraged officials at Welshpool Cricket Club to host the event, starting with the semi-finals this Sunday.

Favourites Newtown will take on Montgomery at 11am, followed at 2pm when hosts Welshpool take on fellow Shropshire Division One side Alberbury.

Welshpool Cricket Club Chairman Russell Cadwallader said: “The county knockout used to be one of the highlights of the cricket season with the county cup having a long and illustrious history.

“I remember many hard fought and exciting finals and hopefully this year’s competition will produce the same. I am looking forward to seeing the many talented young cricketers in the county pitting their wits against each other.”

Entrance on the day is free with food and drink available.