The men from Maesydre looked in deep trouble at 82-7 before tail-ender Phil Lewis cut loose with a crucial unbeaten knock of 77 to push his side onto a challenging 188-9.

Welshpool opened the batting but suffered a disastrous start with Rupert Shingler, Rob Birch and Dean Pritchard dismissed for ducks as Welshpool worryingly wobbled at just 11-3.

Opener Joe Birch continued to struggle against a ferocious Madeley attack but stood tall at the crease.

John Gough (11) and Matthew Knight (18) were followed by Dave Frost (2) until Birch was finally caught for 12 by Stuart Warrilow off Andy Pugh.

With Welshpool struggling on just 82-7 their innings was saved by Phil Lewis who promptly formed a 23 run eighth wicket stand with Dale Evans.

Lewis saved his best until last and a superb 83 run ninth wicket partnership with Dave Jones helped Welshpool close on a more respectable 188-9.

Steve Faux (4-41) was the pick of the bowlers with Dinesh De Silva (2-51) also chipping in for high flying Madeley.

Welshpool immediately went for the jugular in reply with Rupert Shingler promptly removing openers Andy Laycock and Lol Woodhall for ducks.

Enter Rob Birch who made up for his disappointing batting display with a golden 12 overs yielding 6-30.

John Fawcett (32) and Andrew Lloyd (28) both frustrated Welshpool’s attack but the decision to deploy spin king Dave Frost (2-43) paid dividends as Madeley were sent packing for 135.