Welshpool woes continue

Welshpool have fallen to the bottom of Shropshire Division Two after a heavy defeat at home to Forton on Saturday.

The day started well, with Matt McWhinnie and Joe Cadwallader taking three wickets each to help reduce the visitors to a paltry 118 all out.

But Welshpool’s reply collapsed, with five ducks contributing to a poor effort of 64 all out.

Both Newtown in Division One, and Montgomery in Division Two had their matches cancelled, but their second strings both hosted games thanks to the hard work of their grounds team.

Monty second team captain Dave Jones starred for Montgomery II both on and off the pitch despite the Lymore-based club losing to Wem II in Division Five.

The investment into the picturesque Lymore ground over recent years paid dividends as the outfield dried quickly once the rain stopped falling, allowing a team of volunteers to prepare a pitch on the morning of the 1pm fixture.

Wem batted first and scored 198-9 off 40 overs. Jones (3-32) and Rob Yewdall (3-33) were the pick of the Montgomery bowlers.

In reply, Montgomery II were all out for 123 as Ieuan Griffiths top scored with 29. There was also runs for Matthew Jones (22), Charlie Kinsey (20) and Dave Jones (18).

“Thinking back as little as five or six years ago we would never have played a fixture on Saturday, but we have invested heavily in our ground and we have a core of fabulous volunteers who give their all for the club,” said the skipper.

Newtown II could only manage 84 in reply to Broseley’s 128-9, with Sam Cooke taking 4-28. The response was disappointing with only two players reaching double figures.

Guilsfield are up to second in Division Six after extending their winning run at home to Cound II who were dismissed for 105. Spinner Gary Griffiths and Allan Williams led the way with three wickets apiece.

Opener Andy Pugh then carried his bat for an unbeaten 48, and Jordan Evans smashed 23 as Guilsfield cruised through to a six-wicket win.

Llanidloes had their Division Seven game postponed at Lilleshall II.