Cricket

Skipper stars with ball as Chirk defeat old rivals Newtown in Shropshire League

Andrew Swarbrick in batting action for Chirk. He caused most damage with the ball on Saturday as he took 4-23 in his team’s win over Newtown

Chirk (20) 111-5 Newtown (3) 110-9

Outstanding bowling from four-wicket hero Andrew Swarbrick helped Chirk claim a notable victory over last year’s Shropshire Cricket League Division One table-toppers Newtown.

Swarbrick snapped up 4-23 off 13 overs as the visitors, put into bat, were limited to just 110-9 off their 45.

Newtown’s early batting was destroyed by new-ball bowler Swarbrick, the Powys outfit slumping to 33-5.

Sam Cooke (29) and Tom Foulkes (26) did restore some respectability in the middle order, but Nick Flack (2-34) and Wynn Jones (2-10) helped ensure the away side posted a meagre total.

Andrew Swarbrick also managed a run out, while Luke Gardner and Billy Swarbrick bowled economical, although wicketless, spells.

Chirk, who were second behind Newtown in the standings in 2020, suffered an early blow in reply when Gareth Partridge was dismissed without a run on the board.

However, James Carter (34) and Wynn Jones (21) steadied the ship with a second wicket stand of 55.

Chirk slipped from 80-2 to 105-5, but there were no further alarms as the hosts got to 111-5 off just 29 overs. Skipper Andrew Swarbrick was fittingly there at the end unbeaten on six.

Craig Davies scooped 4-35 for the travellers, but it was all in a losing cause.

Points went 20-3 in favour of the North Wales side.

Chirk 1sts are due to visit Wellington 2nds next Saturday, while Chirk 2nds make the journey to Quayside 1st XI in Division Seven.