IAN Hancocks struck an unbeaten century as Newtown IIs boosted their survival bid with a 102 run victory at home to Knockin IIs.

Hancocks carried his bat with an unbeaten 112 with supporting knocks from Dai Brown (19), Sam Morris (27) and Dave Wilkinson (27) before being joined by Matt Humphreys (16no) in guiding the hosts to 228-3 to defend.

Brandon Baynham (2-40) struck early in reply before Humphreys (2-24) tippled Paul Holyoake (14).

Julian Gallimore led middle order resistance before being caught by Richard Smout off Paul Hawthorn (3-34) for a top scoring 42 with Morris (2-16) ending tail end resistance from Dave Jones (21) to complete Knockin’s downfall for 126.

Meanwhile Alberbury IIs eased to a 60 run win at Whitchurch IIs.

Opener Katie Green (64) top scored before departing to Mike Ellis (2-24) and while Dominic Freer-Carmichael (2-48) and Dave Weaver (2-40) led the home attack it was left to Joss Elliott (41no) to steer Alberbury to 193-6.

Angus Little (3-15) included Weaver (34) in his haul before Steve Jarrett (2-46) ate into the middle order.

Green (2-4) celebrated the key wicket of Freer-Carmichael, caught by Tom Haigh for 53, to complete Whitchurch’s demise for 133 in the 30th over.

Meanwhile relegated Montgomery IIs went down by 38 runs at home to Beacon IIs.

Despite the best efforts of Tom Hughes (2-53) the visitors posted 179-7 with Adrian Tomkins (35), Lewis Tomkins (32), Chris Scott (29) and Marcus Clayton (26) top scoring.

Keith Griffiths (38no) top scored in reply with Rob Yewdall (35) and Brian Corfield (20) also chipping in but Paul Aston (4-30) and Adam Phillips (4-49) completed Monty’s demise for 141.

Elsewhere Welshpool IIs fell to a slender 14 run defeat at Cae Glas IIs in division eight.

Harry Bowen (3-8) and William Gannon (3-13) starred for Pool with Tim Turner (42) guiding Cae Glas to 113 to defend.

David Whitehouse (26) and Dale Evans (23) led Pool’s reply but Tarik Bodasing (3-11), Helen Morris (2-20) and Alex Carter (2-21) completed their demise for 99.

Meanwhile Alberbury IIIs were denied glory by a stubborn Pontesbury IIIs in division one of the Sunday League.

Andrew Dale carried his bat with 109no with Katie Green (46) and Rhys Phillips (22) helping Alberbury to a commanding 231-6.

Rhys Marsden (2-24), Anthony Gray (2-35) and Adam Morrell (2-45) led the Pontesbury attack.

Gareth Phillips (2-29) led Alberbury’s attack in reply but Louise Pugh (41) and John Morris (49) worked the scoreboard while Tom Edwards (2no) and Morrell (4no) dug in at 176-7 and a draw.