Newtown 205-7 beat Bomere Heath 178 all out by 27 runs

NEWTOWN proved too strong for Bomere Heath with a 27 run victory maintaining their bright start to the first division season.

Town lost opener John Anthony early, caught by Ryan Davies off Jamie Dean (1-35) for 17, but a 48 run second wicket stand between Ricky Davies and Sam Morris kept the Welshmen on track.

Morris (16) was caught by Matt Jones off Harry Bolland (1-32) to bring Ryan Davies to the crease and combined in a 25 run third wicket stand before Ricky Davies was caught by James Denton off Matt Jones (1-31).

Davies and Tom Anderson upped the run rate with a 39 run fourth wicket partnership pushing their side to 138 when the latter was caught by Henry Preece off Connor Green (1-28).

Town suffered a middle order wobble as Twm Foulkes (3), Sam Cooke (8) and Ally Laird (10) departed cheaply to leave Davies (52no) and the visitors defending 205-7.

Heath began their reply with intent as James Wilkie and Preece laid on an opening wicket partnership of 63 before Wilkie fell to John Anthony for 35.

Preece was joined by Jones in adding 22 runs for the second wicket before being caught by Ryan Davies off Laird for 25.

Jones and Ryan Davies combined in a 32 third wicket stand before the latter was caught behind by Cooke off Laird for six to spark a middle order wobble.

Laird completed his 4-25 with the wickets of Adam Vanner (11) and Bolland (2) while Craig Davies celebrated the key wicket of Jones, caught behind by Cooke for 37 to leave Heath on 141-6.

Davies completed his 2-36 with Denton stumped for a duck before John Anthony (3-45) toppled Green (16) and brother David Anthony (1-32) removed Sean Jones (16) to complete Bomere Heath's demise for 178.