Black Saturday!

24/07/2025 @ 08:44

Newtown’s poor batting form in the Shropshire Premier League continued with a disappointing response to bowling Shelton out for just 106 on Saturday.

Sam Baugh took an incredible 7-21 as Newtown put themselves in the driving seat at the halfway stage.

But devastating spells from Sam Griffiths (4-25) and Simon Jones (5-15) blitzed Newtown who were out for just 52.

Montgomery also struggled with the bat in response to Forton setting 216-6 in Division Two. Skipper Ieuan Griffiths (39) and Andrew Roscow (30) top scored as Monty limped to 150-9 and a losing draw share of the points thanks to a stubborn last wicket stand.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio made a fight of it against top-of-the-table St George’s II who posted 278-8.

The response started on the wrong foot with early wickets tumbling, but young Matt White (20) and Dave Williams (20) steadied the mid-order before Dave Jones (16no) and Allan Williams held out for nine overs to finish on 143-9 for a losing draw.

Welshpool also missed out at Wellington IV who made 235-3 from their 40 overs. Pool were dismissed for just 122 in reply.

Newtown II did manage to win for the area at Priorslee to keep their Division Four promotion hopes alive.

Danny Foulkes (33) top scored as Newtown struggled to 154 all out, but their bowlers hit form with Jonathan Davies (5-28) and Finley Bellamore (3-13) doing the damage and reducing the hosts to 92 all out.

Llanidloes endured another frustrating afternoon, going down to Iscoyd & Fenns Bank by four wickets. Andrew Jones hit 58 in Llani’s innings but 175-7 was not enough.

In Division Six, Welshpool II were frustrated by Wellington IV who held out on 153-8 chasing 214 all out. Patrick Davies (77) and Dale Evans (63) were in form with the bat.

Montgomery II were beaten by Forton II in the last over of the day after posting a first innings of 192-5 with Tom Corfield hitting 60. The visitors won with two wickets to spare.

Jinil Thilakan hit a fine 66 and Alex Parry made 44 as Guilsfield & Llandrinio II put in an improved performance at Harcourt in Division Seven.

The pair contributed the lion’s share of the 208 all out from 40 overs, but with their hosts well off the pace on 131-6 after 37 overs in reply, the heavens opened, abandoning the match.

While Saturday’s matches were largely a disappointment for local sides, Sunday brought a change of fortunes with wins for both Llanidloes II and league leaders Newtown III in Sunday Division Three.

Newtown III bowled St George’s V out for just 46 with Rhys Jones (5-11) and Owain Jones (3-7) doing the damage. Rhys Jones led the rapid reply with 38 not out.

Matt Savage hit an unbeaten 100 and Dave Moody made 56 as Llanidloes II set 260-3 for Knockin and Kinnerley IV to chase.

Aiden O’Connor then took 4-10 as Llani demolished their visitors for just 74.

CRICKET: The weekend matches

A look ahead to the local cricket action from the Shropshire Leagues

Fixtures

Premier League

Madeley v Newtown

Division Two

Montgomery v Shelton II

Division Three

Welshpool v Bridgnorth II

Willey v Guilsfield & Llandrinio