Williams century on a brilliant day for local clubs

23/06/2021 @ 11:53

A tremendous century from Sam Williams inspired Montgomery to a well needed victory in the Henshalls Shropshire League Division Two at Forton.

Williams came to the crease with Monty struggling at 61-5, but he smashed six sixes and 14 fours to reach 102 from 86 balls to push his side to 185 all out.

There was still plenty of work to be done, but Ed Bennett (5-31) and Andrew Barker (3-28) ensured the host team’s reply ended well short on 138. The win still leaves Montgomery in the bottom two, but will send them into this weekend’s match with promotion-chasing St. George’s confident of moving up the table.

John Anthony (44) and Richard Smout (36) gave Newtown a strong start as they returned to winning ways with a 29-run victory over Bomere Heath in Division One.

After being put into bat, Newtown found their way to 181 all out, before Dave Anthony (4-24) and Ally Laird (3-31) tore through the Bomere Heath response to secure a welcome win in the 40th over.

Skipper Russell Cadwallader (71) returned to form with the bat to guide his Welshpool side to victory over Wroxeter & Uppington in Division Three.

Pat Davies was unbeaten on 37 as Welshpool reached 209-6, proving more than enough as Chris Proctor (3-19) led the charge to reduce the visitors to 135 all out, and move Welshpool back into mid-table.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio were made to work hard for their victory over a youthful Newtown II that saw them open up a 25-point lead at the top of Division Five.

Following big scores in previous weeks, skipper Dave Lewis decided to bat first but Newtown had them in trouble at 82-7, with Danny Foulkes 4-16 causing the biggest problems.

But the tail wagged and frustrated the Newtown attack who gave away 90 extras as Rhodri Davies (44no) and Allan Williams (10no) combined for a 70+-run final wicket partnership that proved pivotal as the hosts reached 222-9 from 40 overs.

Newtown opener Adam Knight (81) then gave Guilsfield plenty to think about before Steve Griffiths (2-21) and the returning Jacob Lloyd (2-18) did most of the damage to restrict the visitors to 161-8 in reply.

Despite a glorious 91 from Adrian Foulkes, Llanidloes slipped off the Division Six title pace following a high scoring defeat at leaders Shrewsbury III.

Llanidloes raced to 203-4 from their 40, but the host batsmen also enjoyed the track, reaching victory in the 31st over despite the efforts of Ryan Jones (3-50).

Also in Division Six, Montgomery II were set a whopping 261-5 to chase by Cound II and despite an unbeaten 61 from David Thomas, the response fell short on 177-7.

Veteran Dale Evans smashed an unbeaten 66 to lead Welshpool II to victory at Allscott Heath III.

Set 136 all out to chase by the hosts, Opener Evans showed he is a man in form for the second week running with a fine knock to secure a nine-wicket win.

PICTURE: Gary Williams captures the action from Welshpool's win on Saturday.

Saturday fixtures

Division One

Beacon v Newtown

Division Two

Montgomery v St George’s II

Division Three

Wheaton Aston v Welshpool

Division Five

Knockin & Kinnerley II v Guilsfield & Llandrinio

Newtown II v Beacon II

Division Six