Pool survive and Guilsfield promoted

Guilsfield & Llandrinio Cricket Club can look forward to local derbies with Welshpool and Montgomery next season after confirming promotion to the MSG Shropshire Division Three.

With Bridgnorth III unable to travel, the Guils were handed maximum points to secure second spot behind worthy champions, Wheaton Aston.

It is Guilsfield’s third promotion in four seasons and with the second XI winning the Division Eight title in their first season, there is plenty to celebrate in the village.

Welshpool’s last-day winning draw at Wem II provides a mouth-watering prospect of local cricket rivalries being reignited next season, with Oswestry II and Pontesbury also set to compete in Division Three.

Lance Parkes (69) again provided the Welshpool runs to ensure a healthy season average of 59 as Welshpool batted their way to 180 for their hosts to chase. Chris Proctor added 44 vital runs.

Welshpool’s bowlers then played their part, with Rob Anderson (4-37) and Pat Davies (3-14) the lead wicket takers as Wem were restricted to 144-9 from their 40 overs.

The pair started the day on level points in the second relegation spot, but Pool’s 16 points, compared to Wem’s 11, ensured survival.

Montgomery settled for fourth spot after a final day defeat at promoted Column who posted 244-9, with Nathan Smith taking a season’s best 4-25. Aaron Ruff-Cock (32) top-scored in the reply, which ended on 164.

Newtown finished another impressive Division One season in third spot despite suffering a final day defeat at Lilleshall who raced to 262-5.

Ryan Davies (50) was a highlight of the Newtown response which finished on 165.

Newtown II’s hopes of winning the league were beaten by the weather, with their Division Five title decider against champions Church Aston abandoned. But they can look forward to Division Four cricket with second spot safely secured.

Llanidloes finished a frustrating Division Five season in fourth after their match with Calverhall was abandoned, but they will be keen to bounce back with another promotion bid next season.

Welshpool II enjoyed a victory over Knockin II to end their season on a high in Division Six.

Dan Chodecki (48) top scored as Pool reached their visitors’ target of 156-6. Sam Cadwallader made 42 not out to push Welshpool through to a comfortable mid-table spot.

The weather got the better of Montgomery II whose match with Column II was abandoned, leaving them two spots above the relegated teams in Division Six.