Some properties come with decidedly better views than others. And if you like your cricket, what better than a front row seat for your local club, writes Patrick Cudmore for the County Times.

Assuming the Kynaston Family are indeed cricket fans, they may well be watching closely from behind the impressive windows of Hardwick Hall as Newtown travel to picturesque Hardwick Park to take on Frankton this weekend.

Following the deluge that has hit Shropshire and Powys this last week I would be surprised to see any skippers choosing to bat. I’m sure ground staff will be working tirelessly so one must commend their efforts. We often forget the strains and stresses it takes to create a canvass for us to paint this beautiful game.

The Newtown players will certainly have no excuses for dirty whites as their game against Cound was called off last weekend. Their last game of cricket was the match they won against Alberbury at home a week prior.

Tom Foulkes has been putting in some resolute performances with the bat, he will be hoping to push on for a big score this weekend, he seems to be a tough wicket to take on any occasion. Even when the conditions are bowler friendly Newtown can trust the likes of Foulkes and John Anthony to dig in.

David Anthony has been consistent as ever with the ball, supported by the likes of Laird and Anderson this bowling attack is enough to challenge any line up.

As I have written previously Newtown are a better team than their position of 9th in table suggests but the league this year is tough, all teams can bat deep into their tail and it can be small moments that decided fixtures.

Frankton are currently third in the table behind Shelton and the leaders Pontesbury who they beat earlier in the season.

They are off the back of a win in their local derby against Ellesmere last weekend in which they set a monumental 286-4 in their 45 overs. Jordan Parry scored 102 not out and was supported by Jason Brookes who also finished not out on 56.

With the ball, Richard Parry-Jones claimed 4 wickets and Mark Lammie took 3 as Frankton cruised to victory. Frankton, like Newtown, have a strong bowling attack with some quicks that hit the pitch hard, so if there is some moisture and movement in the surface, they will be able to extract it.

From what I have seen of Frankton in recent years they are a very good side and play the game in a good manner. I will yet again suggest this will be a tight fixture and it could or will be decided by the flip of a coin.

On another note, there are some fundraising events taking place at Pontesbury Cricket Club(PCC) over the next two weeks.

The PCC fun day is this Sunday, June 23, with Allstars themed games, Women's 6-a-side cricket and the Pontesbury Legends returning to the stables which made them famous as they take on the Pontesbury select XI in a 100-ball game. Refreshments and food are being served all day so please visit the ground if you fancy a day out.

The following week, Saturday 29, PCC presents A Night at the Races at Minsterley Village Hall. Tickets are available (£6 on the door of £5 prior to the event) but please contact our Pontesbury CC Facebook group if you have an interest in attending or buying a horse in one of the races.