NEWTOWN were left with plenty to contemplate after being held to a disappointing draw by basement side Much Wenlock.
Newtown were never in contention following an expensive bowling display which allowed Much Wenlock to post a massive 238-6 to chase.
Newtown enjoyed early success as Ian Middleton departed to catch from Dai Brown off Dave Anthony for four.
Ho
wever, it was a rare cheer for the visitors who failed to dislodge Much Wenlock’s impressive top order array.
Dave Bradley opened brightly and the introduction of Matt Tipper ensured Newtown were left on the backfoot.
Bradley was eventually bowled for 52 by Jonathan Davies (1-61) who endured a frustrating 14-over spell with just one maiden.
Bradley’s departure failed to reduce the run rate as Chris Lewis helped form a crucial third-wicket partnership alongside starman Tipper.
Tipper was finally caught for 80 by Richard Smout off Craig Davies while Lewis retired unbeaten for an equally impressive 70.
With the big hitters back in the pavilion Newtown finally made inroads into the middle order as Craig Davies (3-55) and Darren Grant (1-13) reduced Wenlock to 238-6.
Dai Brown was bowled for six by Hayden Burling (1-54) as Newtown’s reply got off to a nightmare start.
Stephen Davies (31) and Grant (32) came together for the second wicket but a disastrous middle order left Newtown hanging on.
Mark Ogglethorpe provided a welcome barrier with a determined tail end knock of 21 but his departure to Duncan May(5-31) forced Newtown to dig in their heels.
Brothers Craig (7no) and Jonathan Davies formed an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership as Newtown hung on grimly for a losing draw.
The full article contains 289 words and appears in County Times Express newspaper.
