Disastrous defeat for title hopefuls Chirk leaves little more margin for error

SHROPSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE REPORTS – AUGUST 27

DIVISION ONE

Newtown 1st XI (20) 287-7 Chirk 1st XI (3) 78-10

Despite suffering a disastrous defeat at Newtown on Saturday, results elsewhere mean Chirk still lead Division One by three points with three rounds of matches remaining.

However, if they are to finish up champions, there is now little margin for error in Luke Gardner’s side’s remaining matches against Frankton (away – Sep 3); Alberbury (home – Sep 10) and Cound (a – Sep 17).

Saturday’s game at the Elephant and Castle Rec saw Newtown win the toss and bat, setting a massive 287-7 off 45 overs.

John Anthony struck 68 and Luan Franken 54 for the hosts, while for Chirk, Ollie Gough took 2-18, skipper Gardner 2-52 and Mark Shaw 2-67.

In reply, Chirk were blasted away for a paltry 78, only Wynn Jones (30) and Nick Flack (22) contributing anything of note.

Joe Monk led Newtown’s wickets charge with 4-12. Points: 20-3 Newtown.

DIVISION SIX

Chirk 2nd XI (4) 114-10 Quatt 3rd XI (20) 117-6

Rock-bottom Chirk seconds lost out to the team immediately above them in the table.

Put into bat, the hosts were all out for 114, Connor Dyke 26 and Gary Bailey 25, William Beards snapping up 5-31 and Theo Tanswell 3-19 for the visitors.

Quatt thirds got home on 117-6 in 31 overs, Nigel Davies 2-3 and Rob Williams 2-28 for the home side.