Disappointing day at the crease

Newtown’s bid to close in on the top three of the Shropshire Premier League was knocked following a great Wem batting performance on Saturday.

The decision to field turned out to be the wrong one after Wem posted a monster 321 all out with John Anthony (4-51) the pick of the Newtown bowlers.

Newtown’s batsmen dug deep to hold out on 190-9 thanks to a resolute 55 from wicket-keeper Sam Cooke, but the lack of points saw them slip off the chasing pace.

There were defeats too for Welshpool and Montgomery in Division One, with both struggling to make enough runs.

Welshpool made a defendable 157 at relegation-threatened Forton with Pat Davies contributing 31, but the hosts made it home with six wickets down.

Montgomery were dismissed for just 111 at mid-table Beacon but made a fight of it and almost secured victory, going down in the end by just a wicket following a great fightback led by Harry Wilkinson (4-32).

In Division Four, Guilsfield were set 207 by leaders Overton-on-Dee but rarely threatened after being reduced to 105 all out despite 55 from Barney Pitt.

Montgomery II brought some cheer to the local clubs with a vital win to stay top of Reserve Division Two.

After posting 192-8, the Monty bowlers defended the cause by restricting Condover to 172-8 for a lion’s share of the points.

Welshpool II completed a disappointing day for local cricket with a three-wicket defeat against Lilleshall 4ths. Dan Chodecki (40) and Tom Bowen (47) top scored as Pool reached 187-6 from their 40 overs. But it wasn’t enough as the visitors secured victory with an over to spare.