Guilsfield 2nds crowned champions

14/09/2023 @ 11:19

It’s been a remarkable season for Guilsfield & Llandrinio Cricket Club following another dramatic day that saw their second XI clinch the title, and the senior side move within a whisker of promotion.

The second team was introduced this season for the first time, and has held top spot in MSG Shropshire Division Eight since week three.

But a couple of recent stumbles saw the chasing pack close in, making Saturday’s final match against second-placed Quayside all to play for.

It was never in doubt though after Ivor Pearsall took 6-28, as the hosts fell for 109, allowing triumphant skipper Gary Griffiths (48no) and fellow opener Andy Trow (58) to guide Guilsfield home for a 10-wicket win.

The first team has its sights on the dizzy heights of Division Three after an emphatic eight-wicket win over Shrewsbury III, and promotion rivals Whitchurch II lost at Bishop’s Castle.

In-form all-rounder Rhodri Parfitt took 4-20 as the Guils dismissed their visitors to 152 at the LHG Oval.

Opener David Williams (39) was joined by Parfitt (41no) to steer the villagers home and move into second spot with one game to play.

JC Balt signed off with a half century to ensure Newtown are finishing with a flourish in Division One.

The popular Namibian hit 51 as Newtown reached 234-6 at home to Bridgnorth who were restricted to 197-9 in reply, with Balt taking 4-29.

The win keeps Newtown third, just six points off the league’s runner-up spot.

Welshpool go into the final match of the season desperate to claim a victory and avoid the drop in Division Three.

On Saturday, they suffered a 102-run defeat against promotion chasing Column, leaving them tied on points in second-to-bottom with Saturday’s opponents Wem II.

Mat McWhinnie bowled well for 3-39 as Welshpool were set 215-8 to chase, but only Lance Parkes (44) made any inroads as Pool were dismissed for 113.

A solid all-round performance from Montgomery secured victory at Ludlow II, with Nathan Smith taking 3- 29 to help restrict hosts Ludlow II to 135-9.

Skipper Andrew Barker (41no) and Gaz Bromley (29) ensured there were no problems in recording a seven-wicket win.

Newtown II can look forward to life in MSG Shropshire Division Four after securing second spot with the lion’s share of the points at Calverhall following a Wales-leading bowling performance from Jonathon Davies.

Davies took 7-45 from 12 overs, the best figures recorded at any Welsh cricket club for the day, as the hosts held out for 207-7 chasing Newtown’s 241-3.

Earlier, Matt Knight (62) and Mike Bellamore (66no) set Newtown on their way, but they couldn’t quite secure the outright victory to pressure league leaders Church Stretton, who they play this Saturday in what promises to be a brilliant match.

Eogan Jones was second on the all-Wales bowling board, taking 6-16 as Llanidloes blitzed Cae Glas out for just 37. But Llani made a meal of it, losing five wickets before Rob Davies (19no) steadied the ship.

Despite skipper Tom Corfield hitting 60 and then taking 3-32, Montgomery II were beaten in a Division Six mid-table derby by Welshpool II.

That was because Adam Gannon took 5-37 to restrict Monty to 133, and then Callum Preston (47) and Dale Evans (39no) batted well to see Welshpool through to a four-wicket win.

Saturday fixtures

Division One

Lilleshall v Newtown

Division Three

Column v Montgomery

Wem II v Welshpool

Division Four

Guilsfield & Llandrinio v Bridgnorth III

Division Five

Llanidloes v Calverhall

Newtown II v Church Stretton

Division Six