NEWTOWN overcame Alberbury by 48 runs to progress to the second round of the Shropshire Senior Slam.

Tom Foulkes (44) top scored while Sam Cooke (35), Jack Morris (32), Ally Laird (22) and John Anthony (20) helped Newtown post 180-6 to defend.

Paul Wilkes (3-35) and Lawrence Fletcher (2-25) led the Alberbury attack.

Tom Anderson (2-29) caught and bowled Mark Jones for 23 before Ally Laird and Dave Anthony (2-24) eroded the middle order.

James Harrap led the home side’s defiance before being caught by Cooke off Laird (3-28) for a top scoring 61 as Alberbury’s challenge faded at 132-9.

Meanwhile James Harrap played a key role as Alberbury IIs battled to a four wicket win at home to Wem IIs in division one of the reserve league.

Harrap (2-38) caught and bowled Paul Mitchell for a top scoring 75 while Steve Morris (2-45) dismissed Paddy Townsend, caught by Rob Owen for 53, to leave Wem defending 194-6

Jordan Zaza (70) led the home side’s reply with support from Harrap (42) before Sahim Zaza (17) and James Hearle (28no) guided Alberbury to 195-6.