Welshpool slip to narrow defeat

Welshpool’s winning start to the MSG Shropshire Division Three season ended in an entertaining defeat at Wem who chased down Pool’s 195-8.

Nick Davies (47), Lance Parkes (40) and Mat McWhinnie (20no) were among the runs as Pool set a respectable target.

But the Wem batsmen met the challenge, securing a seven-wicket win with just four balls to go.

Ryan Davies inspired Newtown to a welcome victory in Division One over Cound.

Davies provided the answer to Newtown’s shortage of runs as he made an unbeaten 84 to propel his side to 184-7. 

There was still plenty to do but Newtown’s bowlers were up to the task as Tom Anderson (5-17) blitzed his way through the Cound top order to ensure an 86-run victory by dismissing them out for 98. Ally Laird took 2-17.

Montgomery were dismissed for just 84 at home by Forton in Division Two with Andrew Barker top scoring on 22.

Tom Hughes (2-13) was the pick of the Monty bowlers as the visitors cruised to a seven-wicket win.

A batting collapse saw Guilsfield & Llandrinio come unstuck at Bishop’s Castle who set 164-9 in Division Four. Steve Griffiths, Duncan Todd and Dave Jones all took two apiece to put the villagers in with a shout at tea.

But the Bishop’s Castle bowlers kept things tight, forcing a mid-order collapse as Guilsfield tried to force the pace. Griffiths (22no), Gary Meredith (20), Rupert Shingler (16) and Dave Williams (14) were the only batsmen to make double figures as they finished all out on 99.

Llanidloes and Newtown II both picked up victories in Division Five with Eogan Jones producing a bowling masterclass for the former at home to Knockin & Kinnerley II.

Jones took 7-11 from his 10 overs as the visitors crumbled to 84 all out chasing Llani’s 209-7. Will Denham (43), Adrian Foulkes (32) and Rob Davies (43) made useful knocks in the Llanidloes innings.

Newtown II returned from Whitchurch II with the spoils following a dramatic victory after Danny Foulkes (36) and Sunil Takke (37no) had seen them set a target of 165-5.

And the bowlers did just that with Jonathan Davies (3-54) leading the way to a dramatic four-run win.

Montgomery II came unstuck at Bomere Heath II after failing to defend 150-9 in Division Six, but Welshpool IIcontinued their winning ways with a comfortable win at home to Allscott Heath II in Division Seven.

Will Gannon took 3-14 as the visitors were restricted to 101, before Dale Evans (32) continued his form with the bat to guide Pool to a four-wicket win that places them on top of the league table.