Oswestry suffered their first defeat of the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League season – but still moved a point clear at the top of the table.

The Morda Road men went down by five wickets at home to Allscott but picked up eight points in defeat.

And that was enough to move them one point clear of Quatt, who had been joint leaders at the start of play but could only collect seven points from a losing draw with Much Wenlock.

The star of the show was Allscott batsman Ben Waters who smashed a terrific unbeaten 109 to steer his side to victory as they chased down the hosts’ total of 226-8 with 11 balls to spare.

It was Waters’ first century of his career, and looks set to save him from any further abuse by his team-mates.

“It was a first class knock against one of the best teams in the league,” said the Sugarmen’s skipper Chris Starling.

“He’s had plenty of stick for not getting a ton before – he got a 96 last season and the lads have always told him he bottles it.

“He looked a bit scratchy when he got into the 90s this time, but he came up with the goods.”

Matt Whitthread, Sam Huxley and Steve Humphreys all got into the 40s for Oswestry.

Quatt were fortunate to escape with even a draw from their game with Much Wenlock as they were left clinging on at the end.

Kuldeep Diwan was the star of the show with bat and ball for Wenlock, top scoring with an impressive 85. He got good support from Dave Bradley with 76.

Quatt held on for a losing draw on 160-9, Kuldeep taking 7-20 to back up his efforts with the bat.

Welshpool were unable to build on the previous week’s win against Allscott when they were edged out by two wickets in a tight tussle at Broseley.

Batting first, a weakened Pool were sent back for 157 in the 49th of their 50 overs, having been 72-2 at one stage.

But no batsmen could go on and make a sizeable contribution with Rob Birch top scoring on 27 and youngster Ryan Davies 26.

However, the visitors’ bowlers hit back with Rob Birch and Sam Birch both taking four wickets before a fine 82 from Mohammed Mehboob proved the difference between the sides.

There was a century apiece in Madeley’s game at Bomere Heath, so it was fitting that the two sides had to settle for a draw.

Bomere Heath had the better of it, claiming 17 points, and Ian Gillespie’s 138 was a big factor in that as they notched up 256-6, Neil Proctor (56) backing up the centurion.

Madeley got to 190-6 in reply, Steve Pugh hitting 102 to help his side to an 11-point haul.

By CHRIS HUDSON