Monty take the bragging rights

15/06/2023 @ 10:55

A fine half-century from Shaun Randall guided Montgomery to a comfortable derby victory over Welshpool to boost their bid for promotion in MSG Shropshire Division Three.

Randall hit 67, and combined with opener Andrew Barker (50) to take Montgomery past Welshpool’s target of 158-6 with eight overs in the tank and six wickets to spare.

Earlier, Patrick Davies (48), Paul Chapman (47) and the returning Russell Cadwallader (32) were in the runs for Welshpool, but it was not enough to stop Monty moving up to fourth.

Newtown’s title chase hit another bump when they were set a monster 280-6 to chase at new Division One leaders Frankton.

The batsmen held out for 157-7 for a small share of the points, with Ally Laird (38) and JC Balt (36) among the runs, but they slip to second in the league.

Swashbuckling all-rounder Sam Griffiths turned in a match-winning return to cricket after two years to lead Guilsfield & Llandrinio to a massive victory at the LHG Oval.

Griffiths smashed 71 and took 3-9 as they recorded a 153-run win over Harpers to move up to third in Division Four.

With one of the strongest batting line-ups for many-a-year, David Williams (53) and Rhodri Parfitt (62no) also bagged half centuries as Guilsfield set a mighty 278-5.

Griffiths and lead wicket-taker Katie Parfitt (3-37) then beat the gathering storm clouds to dismiss the visitors well short of the target.

Llanidloes continued their charge for promotion from Division Five with a thrilling victory over Iscoyd and Fenns Bank.

Daniel Lewis (60), Rob Davies (51) and Dave Moody (44) enjoyed good knocks as Llani batted first for 223-9.

Eogan Jones (4-38) and Will Denham (3-40) kept their nerve to restrict the visitors to 198-9 from their 40 overs, a victory that keeps them second in the league.

Newtown II slipped off the Division Five title chase after being dismissed for 68 at home to Cae Glas who had earlier made 166-9.

Will Gannon (4-7) led Welshpool II’s charge to victory at home to Harcourt in Division Six.

Gannon’s spell saw off their hosts’ response for just 88, chasing the Welshpool target of 205-8 with Mat Sherwood (39) earlier top scoring.

Skipper Tom Corfield hit 79, but couldn’t prevent his Montgomery II side from suffering a six-wicket defeat at home to Allscott Heath II. Monty were put in and reached 188-7, but the visitors won with six overs to spare.

It was a disappointing day for Guilsfield & Llandrinio II who tasted defeat at Cae Glas II, but remain top of Division Eight.

Skipper Gary Griffiths (27) and the in-form Alex Parry (34) did their bit, but they could only muster 124 all out, allowing the hosts to make it home for the loss of five wickets. Three of which were claimed by Ivor Pearsall.

CRICKET: Saturday fixtures

The local games this weekend from the Mansfield Sports Group Shropshire League

Division One

Newtown v Worfield

Division Three

Welshpool v Broseley

Quatt II v Montgomery

Division Four

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Shifnal III

Division Five

Newtown II v Llanidloes

Division Six