Monty win but Welshpool lose

Dave Laird smashed a majestic century as Newtown picked up some valuable Shropshire Division One points against Shrewsbury II.

Laird led the way with 123, and veteran Richard Smout was unbeaten on 32 as Newtown made their way to 211-6 from 45 overs.

The batsmen were backed up by their bowlers who made runs hard to come by, restricting the visitors to 161-7 in reply but denying Newtown full points.

Alex Ruff-Cock scored 71 and took two wickets as Montgomery secured an emphatic victory over Worfield II.

Batting first, Montgomery scored 170 with contributions also coming from Thomas Corfield (37), Ieuan Griffiths (18) and Charlie Clinton (15).

In reply, Monty dismissed Worfield for just 93 with Eddie Bennett the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-27 off 14 overs. Alex Bromley took 3-30 while Ruff-Cock ended with figures of 2-23.

The result leaves Montgomery third in Shropshire Division Two.

Welshpool’s bid to chase down 272-4 at Chirk fell well short with only Paul Chapman (42) and Russell Cadwallader (37) making any strong progress as they finished on 144 all out.

Montgomery II returned home from Wellington Fourths with six points after digging in for a losing draw in Division Five.

Wellington posted 204-7, with Keith Griffiths taking 4-22 for Montgomery.

In reply, Montgomery ended their 45 overs on 141-9 as father and son duo, Alex and Morgan Matthews, stood firm at the end.

Earlier, Lennon Bryan and Jonathan Williams had both scored 26 for Montgomery, while Matthew Jones posted 19.

Newtown II recorded an unlikely win after being dismissed for just 122 at Market Drayton II, who were in turn skittled out for just 90.

Guilsfield’s batsmen toiled hard for a losing draw in Division Six after Overton-on-Dee set a decent target of 208-6.

The bowlers had a good start, but felt aggrieved when a caught behind appeal didn’t go their way with the dangerous Scott Lawrenson at the crease early. He went on to make an unbeaten 111.

In reply, Duncan Todd was unbeaten on 53 for Guilsfield as they held out on 163-8. Gary Griffiths chipping in with 26 as the villagers picked up eight points for their efforts.

Llanidloes continue to dominate Division Seven after returning from Quayside with the spoils.

Adrian Foulkes played a starring role, taking 2-21 as the hosts set 183-9 before smashing an unbeaten 63 to lead the successful run chase with just four wickets lost.