WELSHPOOL dug in their heels for a draw to deny Llanidloes a deserved victory at Maesydre.
The visitors’ superb batting display saw them post an excellent 233-7, with Marc Hughes (60) outstanding for Llanidloes.
However Rob Jones’ side were left frustrated in reply as their hosts set out to claim a draw in a dogged display.
Opener Andrew Evans (17) and Tom Goodman (0) departed cheaply, but the visitors’ innings were revived by a 67 run third wicket partnership formed by Hughes and allrounder Simon Jones.
A sensible batting display pushed Llanidloes onto 103, when Jones was trapped lbw for 27 by Ernie Birch (1-53).
Rob Davies’ brief stint at the crease was ended by Dave Frost (1-39) for just 10, but Llanidloes were soon totting up the runs again.
Hughes was joined by middle order man Rob Smith in a 22 run fifth wicket partnership, before the veteran finally departed to a catch by Joe Birch off Llyr Thomas (1-38) for a top scoring 60.
Llanidloes were now well placed to push on with confidence, with Smith (44) and James Breeze (46) pushing their side onto an imposing 233-7, with an impressive sixth wicket stand.
Sam Birch was the pick of the Welshpool attack with 4-55.
Welshpool are not renowned for their batting order and it soon became apparent that skipper Dale Evans had pinned his hopes on a draw, after a flurry of early wickets - most notably claimed by Joe Pritchard (3-15).
Opener Dave Jones was caught behind by Hughes for two, with Rupert Shingler (14) and Llyr Thomas (0) also departing as Pritchard wasted little time in stamping his authority.
When opener Joe Birch was caught for a patient three by Adrian Foulkes off Andrew Evans (1-6), the home side’s batting order faced an uphill battle.
Ryan Davies and skipper Dale Evans were dismissed by Simon Jones (2-6) and despite a patient 10 from Paul Chapman, his knock was ended prematurely when he was caught behind by Hughes off James Breeze (1-23).
The veteran tailender stepped up to the plate for Pool to frustrate the excellent Llanidloes attack, with Dave Frost and John Gough combining for a patient 13 runs for the eighth wicket, before Foulkes snared Frost lbw for five.
Gough top scored for Pool with 21, to push his side onto 81 when caught by Smith off Davies (1-8) to leave Sam and Ernie Birch to see out the overs and deny Llanidloes victory.
Llani skipper Rob Jones said: “It was a good display from our lads and leaves us in good shape ahead of the match with Cound this week. We made a good total and took some early wickets in reply, which swung the game in our favour.”