NEWTOWN’S batsmen allowed title chasing Much Wenlock off the hook in a 59 run defeat at the Recreation Ground.
John Anthony (4-26) led the wicket haul during a superb 15 overs, while Craig Davies (3-39) offered invaluable support.
Further wickets from Tony Springer (1-32) and Chris Bound (1-17) ensured Much Wenlock closed on an unconvincing 142-9.
Davies wasted little time in making his breakthrough with opener Dave Bradley bowled for a duck early in the proceedings.
Davies then completed his 3-39 with the dismissal of Duncan May (2), before Stuart Walters was caught for a duck by home skipper Steve Davies.
When Tony Springer bowled middle order man Steve Perks for two the visitors were in trouble.
Much Wenlock were briefly revived by dogged captain Chris Lewis (61) and fifth wicket partner Ian Middleton (20).
When the partnership was ended, with Middleton caught off Bound, it sparked a collapse as Anthony finally reaped the rewards for his 15 overs.
The prize wicket of Lewis fell, before completing his 4-26 with the dismissal of the tailend as Shailendra Sengar, Kulver Bopari and Mark Brown all departed for paltry knocks.
Harry Howley (18no) and Richard Bill (7no) saw out the overs, as Much Wenlock closed on a less than convincing 142-9.
Newtown’s reply could not have got off to a worse possible start as skipper Davies was bowled by Bill (1-15) and was joined back in the pavilion by Brian Jones - trapped lbw by Sengar (1-14) for a meagre one.
The wickets continued to fall at an alarming rate, as Tom Foulkes was run out for 10, before a complete middle order collapse left home hopes of their first win of the season in tatters.
Lewis (4-22) led the wicket haul, while including the prize wicket of Richard Smout, who was caught for 14 by Bradley.
Springer briefly offered resistance with a tailend 15, before falling to May (2-9) as Town collapsed on a meagre 83.
n While the first team were firmly put in their place, Newtown IIs celebrated a five wicket win in the reserve league.
Dave Laird (6-19) took the plaudits, after a devastating nine over spell, with skipper Joe Davies (3-1) also impressing in dismissing the hosts for 72.
Only Matthew Green (12) and James Taylor (10) offered any resistance for an ordinary Wenlock IIs.
In reply Newtown IIs’ toporder collapsed under the strain, only for Ally Laird (25) and Joe Davies (18no) to complete a five wicket win in the 18th over.