NEWTOWN IIs went top of the second division of the Henshalls Reserve League with a 59 run victory at home to Beacon IIs.

Ricky Davies laid the foundations with a top scoring knock of 63 before Richard Smout (52no) guided Town to 154-5 to defend with Paul Aston (2-14) the pick of the Beacon attack.

In reply a career best 6-16 from Brandon Baynham with support from Jonathon Davies (3-21) and Danny Foulkes (1-24) completed Beacon’s collapse for 95 with opener Luke Bedford (17) top scoring.

Meanwhile Alberbury IIs slipped to a one wicket defeat at Wellington IVs in division one.

Only Sahim Zaza (56) offered defiance to Muhammed Wasif (3-11), Ben Keeble (3-16) and Shehan Gunawardena (2-23) who ensured Alberbury’s dismissal for 127.

Despite the best efforts of Steve Jarrett (3-25), Preston Fletcher (2-11) and Tom Butler (2-13) the home side were led to a slender victory thanks to Simon Topper (50no) in the penultimate over.

Elsewhere Montgomery IIs continue to prop up the table after falling to a three wicket defeat at Quatt IIs.

Matthew Jones (51) was joined by Rob Yewdall in guiding Monty to 171-6 to defend with Richard Jones (3-27) and Jenny Cottam (2-10) leading the home attack.

Quatt’s reply was led by Adrian Evans (37) and Elliot Parker (50no) before stand-in captain Dave Jones’ changes to the bowling line-up led to a middle order wobble.

Spinner Ross Wilkinson (2-40) was a constant threat on a dusty wicket while Yewdall (2-20) and Charlie Kinsey (2-26) also struck before Parker was joined by Dan Haywood (9no) in guiding Quatt to 172-7 and victory in the 31st over.