Welshpool’s Henshalls Shropshire League Division Three survival fight is back on after an excellent 53-run victory over fellow relegation rivals Frankton.
Nick Davies (59) and Paul Chapman (39) saw Welshpool through to a strong total of 188-7 that was always looking out of reach for the visitors who were dismissed for 135, with Rob Anderson and Pat Davies taking three wickets apiece.
Despite the victory, Welshpool remain in the bottom two but the gap to survival has narrowed.
Newtown blasted their way back to promotion contention with a sensational 10-wicket win over Chirk in Division One.
Tom Anderson (3-11) and Craig Davies (3-16) led the assault as Chirk were dismissed for just 82, enabling John Anthony (39no) and Steve Davies (36) to steer the ship home for a 10-wicket win that keeps them third.
In Division Two, Montgomery set 164-9 after batting first against Knockin & Kinnerley, but it wasn’t enough as the visitors secured a six-wicket win in Division Two.
Opener, Andrew Barker, continued his fine form with 49 to push Monty towards a defendable total, but Knockin’s batsmen were in decent form too and secured victory in the 36th over.
Guilsfield & Llandrinio suffered their second defeat in succession to make it an interesting final five games at the top of Division Five.
Facing second-placed Column at the LHG Oval, the wickets tumbled despite Steve Griffiths (29) trying to hold the innings together. It eventually ended on 102 with the visitors securing the win for the loss of four wickets.
The Llanidloes match with Coton Hall in Division Six was a victim of Covid-19 following a case recorded in the opposition camp.
Welshpool II dropped off the Division Seven promotion pace after suffering a defeat at Shifnal Fourths.
After being put in to bat, Welshpool amassed an ominous looking 209-4 with Callum Preston (58), Joe Cadwallader (35) and John Bills (34) leading the way. But the hosts cruised home for the loss of three wickets, seeing Welshpool slip to fifth.
Saturday fixtures
Division One
Shifnal II v Newtown
Division Two
Montgomery v Ludlow II
Division Three
Madeley II v Welshpool
Division Five
Church Stretton v Guilsfield & Llandrinio
Newtown II v Whitchurch II
Division Six
Harcourt v Llanidloes
Allscott Heath II v Montgomery II
Division Seven
Welshpool II v Lilleshall III