Shropshire Star

It's all down to the last day for top two

Newport will look to reverse their fortunes on the title-deciding final day of the season after defeat to Ludlow & South Shropshire.

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Newport fell to second in the Shropshire League Premier Division, with Reman Services now seven points ahead at the top.

The two meet next week in a winner-take-all match, but a draw could yet see third-placed Wem come through on the rails.

Newport were bowled out for just 68 on Saturday – they were only chasing 87 – and skipper Nick Watkins is hoping for better at Reman.

He said: "The first half of the game on Saturday was great, we can't complain about that.

"I can't put my finger on why we didn't do as well with the bat. I don't know if it was complacency, but Ludlow bowled exceptionally well.

"It's a massive game this Saturday. We've just got to forget what's happened, things like that can happen in cricket.

"We have got nothing to lose. I think the lads are capable of doing it."

Reman beat Broseley, but skipper Ed Ashlin is aware of the pressure the decisive fixture will bring.

He said: "Saturday was a shortened game, because of the weather. We restricted them to a total that was comfortable to chase and we reached with six overs left.

"There is going to be a little bit of added pressure, but as long as we bat, bowl and field as we have been I'm confident we can get the win."

Wem won emphatically at Frankton and will need to do the same against Broseley to have any chance of the title.

Meanwhile, Tyler Trenoweth was the star of the show as St Georges defeated bottom-of-the-table Wroxeter Grove.

Trenoweth produced a sublime display with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 105 as St Georges powered to a 10-wicket success.

St Georges won the toss and elected to field – bowling out Wroxeter for 162 after 36 overs with Trenoweth, Jamie Griffiths and Ben Miller all ending with three wickets to their name.

Skipper Ben Byram was impressed with the performance of his side and had high praise for Trenoweth in particular.

He said: "Bowling wise, we managed to keep the score down. It was raining until 11am but, even with the rain that we had, it was still a decent wicket.

"Tyler's innings was faultless, I think it was just 66 balls that he managed to get his ton from which proves it was a decent wicket, so it was really pleasing."

Wroxeter's Charlie Haylett provided some solid resistance as he scored 60, but his team's bowling was largely ineffective as St Georges coasted to victory without losing a wicket.

Griffiths proved the ideal foil to Trenoweth as he ended 427 not out.

In mid-table, Bomere Heath managed a narrow victory over Quatt – reducing the points gap between the two sides to just six going into the final game.

Quatt's Hayden Cargo was unfortunate to be on the losing side after a fine all-round performance.

He top-scored with 70 as Quatt were dismissed for 176, while he and Jonathan Edwards also managed three wickets each.

Jamie Dean claimed three victims for Bomere Heath, while Ian Gillespie finished with 2-19 and Chris Stevens 2-50.

But, despite Cargo's heroics, Bomere Heath claimed the victory as they passed their target with two wickets in hand.

Gillespie led the way with the bat with 61 while there were useful contributions from Chris Stevens (41) and Rob Dean (21).

The game between Madeley and strugglers Cound was cancelled due to poor weather.

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