Welshpool hit the ground running

23/05/2023 @ 12:06

Welshpool’s long-awaited return to MSG Shropshire Division Three action was marked by a brilliant victory at home to St George’s II.

Paul Chapman smashed 84 and Chris Proctor (47) as Welshpool cruised to a fine 231-6, which proved more than enough with the visitors dismissed for just 136. Sam Cadwallader, Robert Anderson and Tom Bowen all took three wickets apiece.

Newtown have opened up a healthy lead at the top of the MSG Shropshire Division One after a whopping 230-run victory over Wroxeter and Uppington, thanks a blitzkrieg from pace bowler Dave Anthony.

Earlier, in-form opener John Anthony set the tone with a fine 87 as Newtown steamed to 278-4 from their 50 overs, with skipper Tom Anderson unbeaten on 87 and Tom Foulkes also unbeaten on 51.

But Dave Anthony stole the show with a brilliant 8-26 from 10 sensational over to dismiss the visitors for just 48.

Montgomery were bowled out for just 105 at home to Madeley II with Shaun Randall (26) top scoring. The visitors reached the target for the loss of four wickets.

In-form Duncan Todd hit an unbeaten 72 and skipper Dave Lewis made 21 as Guilsfield & Llandrinio set a reasonable target of 148-9 for at Hodnet and Peplow in Division Four.

Spin queen Katie Parfitt (3-45) and Steve Griffiths (3-25) led the response, but the hosts held out for victory with just one wicket remaining to take the win.

In Division Five, Newtown II made it a winning day for the club with a four-wicket win at Beacon II.

Jonathon Davies too 4-11 as Newtown restricted their hosts to 121, and then Danny Foulkes was unbeaten on 62 to secure the win.

But it’s Llanidloes that continue to set the pace in the division, after returning from Wellington IV with the points.

Daniel Lewis hit an unbeaten 66 to guide Llanidloes through to 153-8, proving out of reach for the hosts who were bowled out for 96 with Rob Davies (3-27) impressing.

Montgomery II hit form with a timely victory on the road at Acton Reynald in Division Six.

Deciding to bat, Monty set a fine target of 191-8 from 40 overs with Matthew Jones (59) top scoring, enabling the bowlers to complete the win as the hosts were dismissed for 152 in the final over. Tom Corfield (3-10) returned the best figures.

Welshpool II were bowled out for 72 chasing Wroxeter & Uppington’s 167-9.

Guilsfield II continued their great start to life with another Division Eight victory to stay top.

Ivor Pearsall (4-20), Dave Court (3-19) and Phil Edwards (3-12) dismissed Sentinel III for 93, allowing Garry Lewis (29) to led the response and secure a four-wicket win.

This Saturday fixtures

Mansfield Sports Group Shropshire League

Division One

Allscott Heath v Newtown v Wroxeter

Division Three

Church Aston v Montgomery

Quatt v Welshpool

Division Four

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Frankton II

Division Five

Newtown II v Much Wenlock II

Llanidloes v Beacon II