As some promotion hopes fade, Guilsfield back on track

02/09/2021 @ 10:00

Newtown suffered a damaging blow to their slim promotion hopes from Division One after suffering a dramatic three-wicket defeat at home to Bridgnorth.

After being put in to bat, wickets fell regularly throughout the Newtown innings with Richard Smout (33), Ricky Davies (24) and Ally Laird (21) the only real batsmen of note as the hosts moved to 163-8 from 45 overs.

Newtown started their response strongly, getting into the top order, before the mid-order steadied the ship and sailed to victory in the very last over, seeing Newtown drop to fifth.

Montgomery suffered a high scoring defeat at Sentinel despite posting a decent looking 235-7.

Tim Davies (57no), Alex Haycock (36) and Matthew Jones (34) drove the Monty innings towards a total that on most days would be more than enough.

But the Sentinel track favoured the batsmen and an unbeaten Jamie Wear century secured the eight-wicket win in the 32nd over.

Welshpool’s woes in Division Three continued after being dismissed for just 89 at home to title chasing Wellington III.

Paul Chapman (25) was the only score of note in the innings as the visitors cruised to victory, despite a couple wickets for Tom Bowen.

After a frustrating few weeks, Guilsfield & Llandrinio picked up a well-earned win to remain second in Division Five.

Much Wenlock travelled to the LHG Oval and set a target of 152-9 which could have been more if it wasn’t for the efforts of the league’s leading wicket-taker, Allan Williams (4-34) and young Finlay Hunter who came in at the death and took 3-10.

Opener, David Williams, again top scored with 43 to lead the response and the returning Martin Owen contributed 27, but a couple of quick wickets fell before skipper, Dave Lewis, marked a timely return to form with an unbeaten 30 to steer his side home for the loss of five wickets in the 34th over.

Newtown II were beaten by 68 runs at Alberbury II, also in Division Five, after being unable to chase 189-7.

Llanidloes suffered a big hit to their promotion ambitions from Division Six after going down at home to Lilleshall II to slip down to fourth.

After electing to bat, Llanidloes were dismissed for 156 in the 38th over with Rob Davies (36) and Will Denham (34) amongst the runs.

But it wasn’t enough as the visitors made it home in the 39th over with just two wickets to spare.

Montgomery II lost a high scoring game despite setting 191-6 for Coton Hall to go after. Jonathan Williams (51) and Keith Griffiths (48no) set the standard for the hosts, but the visitors responded well and only took 29 overs to win by seven wickets.

PICTURE (By Phil Blagg Photography): Montgomery II’s Keith Griffiths with a big six on his way to 48 not out.

Saturday fixtures

Division One

Bomere Heath v Newtown

Division Two

Montgomery v Forton

Division Three

Wroxeter & Uppington v Welshpool

Division Five

Newtown II v Guilsfield & Llandrinio

Division Six

Llanidloes v Shrewsbury III