Marstons Premier League
Newtown 148 all out lost to
Broseley 197 all out by 49 runs
NEWTOWN crashed to a seventh defeat of the season in a 49 run loss at home to Broseley, which left them in the league basement.
Fellow strugglers Broseley had hardly set the world alight with an average batting display, but need not have worried as Newtown collapsed for a mere 148 in reply.
Craig Davies trapped opener Richard Parker lbw for just one, as Newtown enjoyed a bright start after electing to bowl.
It got better when fellow opener Gavin Jones departed, when caught for 12 by Stuart Putson off John Anthony.
However the visitors’ innings were revived as the remaining top order upped the ante, with Wayne Niavi taking on a significant role with an excellent half century, before being trapped lbw for 57 by Tony Springer.
Michael Pearson was able to make 40 with Mohammed Mehboob Murshad (37) also in fine fettle, as Broseley ticked away to increase the pressure.
Eventually Pearson was caught by Steve Davies off Springer, with the latter catching Murshad off Brian Jones.
Springer (3-39) and Jones (3-16) took care of the remaining order, with only middle order man Baber Niavi (22) offering resistance, before being sent packing as Broseley closed on 197.
Newtown were comprehensively torn apart in reply in one of their worst batting performances of the season to date.
Captain Steve Davies (39) was joined by Brian Jones (38) in offering some hope, but the electric form of visiting captain Gavin Jones (7-29) meant Town were all out for 148.
* Meanwhile the performance of teenager Dave Laird in Newtown IIs’ three wicket win at Broseley IIs prompted skipper Joe Davies to call for his elevation to the first team.
The day belonged to the 14-year-old allrounder, with his 4-47 helping Newtown IIs dismiss the hosts for 153.
Joe Davies (5-40) and Dave Anthony (1-33) completed the haul, with a half century from Brian Richards representing the stand out batting performance.
Laird was even more impressive with the bat with a superb top scoring knock of 60, alongside Davies (35) and Sam Cooke (22) helping Town to a three wicket win.
Davies said: “Dave is a really good prospect who has impressed in every game this season.
“To be honest I think he has probably done enough to have a go with the first team already and I will be endorsing him as heavily as I can to Steve.
“The first team are bottom of the table and struggling for runs so Dave could provide that shot in the arm they need.”
* NEWTOWN Cricket Club will host a fun day and hog roast at the Recreation Ground on Sunday.
The fun starts at 10am with admission free and all invited.
The day will also be marked by an eight-a-side cricket tournament and live screening of the FIFA World Cup Final.