Shropshire Star

Whitchurch on the brink of glory

Whitchurch skipper Alex Huxley praised his side’s depth as they edged closer to claiming the Henshalls Shropshire County League Premier Division title.

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The leaders enjoyed a 73-run success at Newtown on the league’s penultimate match day after the hosts were skittled out for 97 while chasing Whitchurch’s 170. They now hold a 17-point advantage over second-placed Ludlow.

William Doerr (33) top-scored for the table-toppers, and was supported by Simon Dimelow (28) and Ed Watson-Jones (23).

Whitchurch came into their own with the ball as the Premier Division’s top wicket-taker Daniel Bowen bagged 3-13 – taking his tally for the season to 66.

Younger brother Elliot made it eight wickets for the Bowen family with 5-19, his first senior five-wicket haul. Bowen senior, Simon, the brother’s father, also figured.

“A lot of credit needs to go to Newtown for preparing a dry wicket,” said Huxley.

“It was almost too dry, batting was not easy. We batted well and set a good 50-over total on that wicket.”

The skipper believes the strength throughout his batting order has helped Whitchurch over the line in a number of games this season.

A mid-season wobble, including defeats against Quatt and Saturday’s final-day opponents St Georges, was put to bed as last season’s relegated Birmingham League side rediscovered their mojo.

He added: “Everyone in our top eight has got a 50 this year and it shows the great depth.

“So when the top order is not firing, we have the middle order to get us over the line or reach a total.

“It’s (the battle at the top) kept us going. In the first half of the season teams kept saying we’d win it with five games to go.

“I think we got a bit complacent. We lost a few but managed to stay on top. We kept the initiative and left it in our hands.”

Newtown’s Thomas Goodman’s 15 was the best that the hosts could offer in response as the Bowen brothers, alongside two wickets from Sam Ellis, teamed up to rip through the Newtown line up.

Challengers Ludlow, now the only side that can spoil Whitchurch’s party, kept up the pressure with a 63-run victory over fourth-bottom Frankton.

Luke Miles’ 54 was ably assisted by 45 not out from Sam Roberts as the hosts posted 230.

Ruel Brathwaite and Joe Williams shared eight wickets to curtail any Frankton hopes, despite the visitors’ Thomas Wilkie hitting 71 from 85 balls.

Rock-bottom and already relegated Albrighton had an afternoon to forget at home to fifth-placed Wem.

Danny Cohen was the star of the show for the triumphant visitors. He claimed a magnificent seven wickets for just six runs as Albrighton capitulated for just 22 chasing 269.

Worfield are 13 points further back in third with Quatt and Wem rounding off the top five.