Marston’s Shrop-shire Premier Lge
Newtown 148 for 7 beat
Madeley 144 for 7 by 3 wickets
TOM Foulkes struck an unbeaten half-century to inspire Newtown to their first win of the season in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League.
Foulkes made a patient 51 off 96 deliveries, which included 11 fours, in a disciplined display.
Newtown were aided by a tight bowling attack, which celebrated an early wicket when opener Stephen Pugh was caught behind by Sam Cooke off Dave Anthony, who ended with 1-44.
Andrew Lloyd (22) and Chris Dirkin (12) pushed Madelely onto 48-3, when both fell in quick succession to the reliable Craig Davies.
Jonathan Davies claimed the wicket of Sagan Wijesekera for a duck as Madelely continued to struggle.
When Craig Davies completed his 3-25 with the dismissal of Jon Prince, who was caught for 22 by Foulkes, the home side were left on 71-5.
Andrew Laycock pushed Madeley along with 32 until his fruitful partnership with former Newtown favourite Richard Smout was ended when the latter was caught for eight by Cooke off John Anthony (1-31).
Laycock pushed Madelely only to 122 before being caught by Dave Laird off captain Tony Springer (1-20), as the hosts closed on 144-7.
Newtown feared the worst when opener Dave Laird was stumped by wicketkeeper Jon Lloyd for a first over duck with Town on 17-1.
Steve Davies (25) was joined in a 20 run second wicket partnership by Dai Brown, only to fall in quick succession to Dirkin (4-39) and Gavin Daniels (3-19).
When Smout caught Stuart Putson for a duck off Dirkin, it left Town on just 40-4.
Tom Foulkes looked to revive the innings and a splendid batting display helped Town overcome their wobble with a patient half century.
Springer (36) provided the perfect foil for Foulkes, before being trapped LBW by Dirkin, with Craig Davies also out for a duck.
It was left to Foulkes and John Anthony (4no) to see Town over the line with 148-7 as Newtown celebrated a hard-fought win.
* Newtown IIs slumped to a 62 run defeat at home to Madelely IIs in the reserve league.
Despite the best efforts of captain Ricky Davies (3-45) the home side were unable to prevent Simon Woodcock’s unbeaten century as the visitors set an imposing 212-6 to chase.
Davies (42) led Newtown IIs’ challenge, but still fell short with Harry Thomas (4-31) and Lee Jackson (3-36) dismissing the hosts for 150.