Newtown were chasing the hosts’ target of 119-7 when rain ended play with 13 overs remaining with Town on 80-4.

Welshpool opened the batting on an overcast afternoon at Maesydre but were soon in trouble as they lost three wickets in quick succession.

Rupert Shingler was the first to depart when he ran himself out for 13 but Phil Lewis (5) and Christopher Owen (0) soon followed him back to the pavilion.

When Rob Birch was caught for one by Rowan Meek off Craig Davies (2-12) Welshpool feared an embarrassing collapse against the old enemy.

The innings were revived by Pool skipper Dale Evans and Joe Birch who combined to add 32 runs for the fifth wicket.

Darren Grant (1-26) broke the partnership by bowling Evans for 21 to leave Welshpool wobbling on just 54-5.

Birch bravely took on the Newtown attack and was finally joined by brother Sam in a 14 run seventh wicket partnership.

The latter was bowled by Meek (1-44) for a quickfire 23 as Welshpool closed on 119, with Joe Birch ending unbeaten on 37.

Despite the early loss of opener Stephen Davies - caught behind by Dale Evans for a duck off Shingler - Newtown were soon in their stride and closing rapidly on Welshpool’s meagre target.

Openers Dai Brown and Darren Grant took on the challenge and added 55 in the outstanding partnership of the match.

Brown was eventually bowled by Rob Birch for 24, while Nick Davies lasted just four balls before being caught for a duck.

Grant was finally bowled by Lewis (2-3) for a patient 23 with Newtown still promisngly placed on 68-4.

Brian Jones (11no) was joined by Richard Smout (1no) in pushing Newtown onto 80 when rain forced the end of play.

Elsewhere Alberbury’s FBC Manby Bowdler Shropshire League Division One derby at Pontesbury was also abandoned.

Mark Jones maintained his bright batting form with 92 with Mike Crawshaw (59), Angus Little (41) and Stuart Eyres helping Alberbury to 242-6.

Pontesbury had made 124-6 in reply when rain ended play with 13 overs remaining.

Meanwhile Bishops Castle IIs were defending 148 when rain ended play 32 overs into Hodnet IIs reply in division seven.

Elsewhere Welshpool IIIs were chasing 130 at home to Forton IIs and were on 69-2 when rain ended play in the 25th over.

Peter Davies (8-26) had limited Forton with a superb bowling display but Dave Whitehouse’s side were beaten by the weather.