Three centuries lit up the second weekend of the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League but it was the first defeat of Reman Services for 18 months which proved the major talking point.
Wem claimed the scalp of last season’s champions with a 37-run victory which was sealed in the final over when skipper Martyn Davies claimed a spectacular catch on the boundary to dismiss Darren Bullock.
It leaves Reman still searching for their first victory of the season, and captain Mal Serplet insisted the defeat is a timely reminder for his side.
“It’s probably just the kicking we needed,” he said. “All the boys were disappointed and it shows we have to start doing the right things and not just turn up expecting to win games. It’s a wake-up call.”
Russell Mellings gave Wem an excellent platform with 67 but they lost their way slightly in the closing overs of the innings as they were dismissed for 172, Garry Williams and Chris Speake each taking four wickets.
But that total proved more than enough as Reman were skittled for 135, largely thanks to Jason Davies – brother of the skipper – who claimed 6-20 to register his maiden five-wicket haul for the first team.
“Jason put the ball in the right areas as he always does and got his rewards,” said captain Davies. “It was a great day for us.”
Quatt, Oswestry and Albrighton are the other teams with maximum points after two games.
Alex Huxley was one of Saturday’s century makers as his 108 inspired Oswestry to a 36-run victory over Newtown.
The Morda Road men posted 238-9, with Nick Davies taking 4-58.
Ben Parker-Marshall, a 17-year-old medium pacer, claimed an early wicket on first-team debut to help reduce Newtown to 117-6 before Richard Smout and Paul Kruger led a counter-attack.
At 180-6, Newtown appear well placed to challenge for victory but Parker-Marshall dismissed Smout for 53 and Kruger quickly followed for 37 as Newtown collapsed to 187 all out, Oswestry captain Mark Robinson taking 6-57.
Ian Hudson’s 41 helped Albrighton cruise to an eight wicket triumph over Welshpool who were dismissed for 101 while Dean Robinson’s unbeaten 104 was the mainstay of Quatt’s 242-5 which secured an 86-run success over Shelton.
The day’s other three figure individual score came from Much Wenlock’s Duncan May which helped his side to a losing draw at Allscott. May’s unbeaten 103 ensured Wenlock finished on 192-9, despite Martin Jones taking 4-20 and Alistair Dovey 3-24.
Allscott had earlier posted 242-7, with Ben Waters making 70 and Steve Powell 50.
By JAMES GARRISON
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