Harding century for Newtown

Newtown sit proudly atop Shropshire League One after Hamish Harding hit a magical century to ease his side past Lilleshall.

Harding’s unbeaten 139 from 132 balls included seven mighty sixes as Newtown motored towards 293-4 from 43 overs. Opener Ryan Davies weighed in with 64.

David Anthony then led the response for the bowlers with 6-36 as Newtown dismissed Lilleshall for just 114 in 34 overs. Newtown’s 25 points were four better than former leaders Market Drayton with just a point now separating the top two.

James Corfield tormented Ellesmere as Montgomery secured the points to open up a formidable gap at the top of the Shropshire League Division Two.

Corfield took 6-9 from seven overs to rip through the host side’s batting line-up with fellow opener Harry Wilkinson taking 3-19.

Ellesmere were dismissed for just 43 after Montgomery had earlier set a target of 150 all out, and the victory puts them 61 points in front of Welshpool in second who could only draw with Wheaton Ashton.

The afternoon started well for Pool with the batsmen setting a target of 160-9 from their 40 overs. But Welshpool couldn’t find a way through the visitors batting which held out on 102-6 to prevent Welshpool getting full points.

Veteran Ed Davies was Guilsfield’s hero by smacking the winning runs in the last over to secure victory and ensure their Division Four promotion charge stays on track.

Allscott had earlier made 156-3 and looked to be in control as wickets tumbled in reply, but with Rob Owen unbeaten on 57, Davies played his supporting role in the eighth wicket stand for the nail biting win.

In the reserve divisions, Montgomery II beat Ellesmere II by four wickets, while in Division Three Welshpool II won at Bishop’s Castle II by 32 runs. Newtown II slipped off the top spot after being held to a winning draw at Acton Reynald II.