Anthony inspires Newtown win

All-rounder Dave Anthony was the driving force behind Newtown’s Shropshire Division One victory at Shelton II.

Anthony came in late to smash a quickfire 50, building on John Anthony’s earlier 39 runs and Iwan Smout’s 33 as Newtown amassed 204 all out.

He then took 3-27 and along with Tom Anderson (3-36) ripped through the host’s top-order to secure a 59-run victory.

Andrew Barker’s form continued as Montgomery enjoyed a 98-run Division Two victory at home to Sentinel II.

Barker (72) and Charles Clinton (47) laid the foundations for bottom side Monty to build a decent first innings score of 217-6, well out of reach for the visitors who were dismissed for 119. Matthew Ferneyhough led the way with 4-23.

Welshpool’s 144-7 was always going to be tough to defend at Newport II in Division Three. And the score could have been a lot lower had Patrick Davies not smashed 87. The hosts made short work of the chase, losing just two wickets.

Guilsfield & Llandrinio have guaranteed their Division Four status for a second season, earning enough points from their entertaining defeat at Frankton III.

Gary Griffiths (25no) top scored as Guilsfield posted a decent target of 179-8 from their 40 overs with a number of decent contributions.

But it wasn’t quite enough as the hosts made it home with four balls to spare and just one wicket left. Duncan Todd took 4-20 and Dave Jones claimed 3-34.

A masterclass in bowling from Evan Smout ensured Newtown II jumped back above Llanidloes in the Division Five mid-table following an impressive 98-run win over Church Stretton.

Callum Foulkes (67) and Danny Foulkes (47) helped Newtown II through to 213-8, well out of reach for the visitors who were dismissed for just 115. Smout excelled with 7-51.

Llanidloes made 141-8 at Whitchurch II with Will Denham (35) top scoring, but the hosts came home in the 27^th over for the loss of four wickets.

Montgomery II suffered a six-wicket defat at Column II in Division Six, while Welshpool II go into the final game of the season neck-and-neck at the top of Division Seven with Harcourt.

After setting a score of 184-9 for Lilleshall III to chase, Welshpool II limited the visitors to 134-9 with Rupert Redway (3-24) leading the figures.

PICTURE (by Phil Blagg): Former Montgomeryshire player Elwyn Turner back in action for Montgomery II.