NEWTOWN returned to winning form in sensational style with an emphatic 89 run victory at home to Ellesmere in Henshalls Shropshire League One.

Dave Laird was joined by Ryan Davies in forming a solid second wicket partnership after home opener John Anthony was run out for a duck Fraser Duncan.

Town’s top order wobbled as Duncan snared Laird LBW for 17 before Davies was caught and bowled by George Duncan for 20 and Sam Cooke fell to George Cowey (1-47) for 16.

However Tom Anderson steadied the ship and joined by former Welshpool team-mate Joe Monk in binding together the middle order.

Monk fell to Fraser Duncan (2-27) for 23 before Troy Newtown (1-59) and George Duncan (2-45) made inroads into the home tail end.

Anderson was not to be moved and produced a season’s best 85no to guide Newtown to 204-8 to defend.

David Anthony (1-17) wasted little time in trapping Laurence Ashley for a duck in reply.

Mere’s top order collapsed as Monk (1-13) removed Jonathan Mitchell (15) before catching Fraser Duncan off Bryant Galpin (1-17) for 18.

Dave Laird (2-11) maintained the pressure with Jack Cockayne caught by John Anthony for four before snaring Tom Davies LBW for nine.

Craig Davies included the wicket of Graeme Cowey (15) before Monk caught Max Smith (16) as Mere’s collapse continued.

John Anthony (1-23) bowled Newton (2) before Davies (4-7) completed Mere’s demise for 115 in the 30thh over with George Astin caught by Ryan Davies for seven and Matthew Lewis bowled for a duck.