Mixed day for local clubs

Newtown slipped off the Shropshire Premier League pace after losing to Ludlow.

With batsmen in red hot form, Newtown elected to bat first but the top and middle order faltered apart from Ryan Davies striking an unbeaten 69. Ally Laird came in at nine to boost Newtown to 208-7 with an unbeaten 60, including five sixes.

But Ludlow’s batsmen are also in form and dropped just one wicket on their way to victory.

In Division One, Montgomery eased away from the strugglers with a five-wicket win at bottom side Lilleshall.

The Shropshire side were restricted to 150 all out in 40.1 overs and the Monty men took just 21 overs to reach their target, with Aaron Ruff-cock striking an unbeaten 67 to lead the way.

Welshpool’s batsmen came up short chasing Beacon’s 154 all out after putting them in to bat. Pool struggled to form a consistent partnership throughout and fell short on 108.

Guilsfield’s charge up the Division Four table was thwarted at Hinstock who elected to bat and made 252-9. In reply, openers Gary Lewis (54) and Barney Pitt (53) gave the villagers a great start, and Dave Lewis (48) added some mid order grit, but they ended on 222.

In the reserve divisions, Montgomery II recorded an 85-run win over Market Drayton after setting a target of 180. The visitors were dismissed for 95 to keep Monty second in the table.

Newtown II struggled for runs and were bowled out for 67 at Beacon II who reached it for the loss of two wickets.

Welshpool II stunned Division Three promotion chasers Beacon III by toppling their first innings total of 173-8. Jordan Harding top scored for Welshpool with 31.