Guilsfield tightened their grip at the top of division five of the Henshalls Shropshire League with a 61 run derby win at home to Newtown IIs.

The home side struggled for runs as Sam Griffiths (10), Dave Lewis (10), Daniel Brown (12) and David Williams (19) fell before Rhodri Davies rallied with an unbeaten knock of 44 alongside Allan Williams (10no) to guide the Guils to 222-9.

Danny Foulkes (4-16) and Jack Windsor (2-51) was joined by Matt Humphreys (1-31), Jonathon Davies (1-29) and Cai Van Lill (1-34) in claiming wickets for Town.

Newtown lost early wickets as Foulkes was snared LBW for a duck by Allan Williams (1-18) while Ralph Barraclough was caught by Lewis for a duck of Steve Griffiths.

Griffiths promptly added Ian Hancocks (8) to his haul of 2-21.

Humphreys led Town’s resistance but Jacob Lloyd (2-18) starred for the Guils as Charlie Evans (9), Jonathan Davies (9) and Griff Davies (7) each fell cheaply.

Humphreys was finally caught and bowled by Sam Griffiths (1-34) for 31 to eave Town on 161-8.

Elsewhere in division five Alberbury IIs slipped to a 13 run defeat at home to Column.

Daniel Taylor (25), Darren Evason (38), Simon Howells (34) and Brenton Fairey (26) were followed by Ben Tipton (26no), Rory Butwell (11) and Simon Stallard (16no) in guiding Column to 198-8 to defend.

Andrew Holloway (4-39) led the Alberbury attack with support from Rob Owen (1-32), Paul Wilkes (1-24), Steve Morris (1-20) and Myles Thomas (1-53).

Andrew Dale (41) and Joss Elliott (31) led Alberbury’s reply before both fell to Fairey (2-25).

Owen (11) and Sahim Zaza (11)departed before Andrew Wynne (53no) dug in.

However regular wickets from Sam Minta (2-30), Adam Harris (1-32), Stallard (1-26) and Butwell (1-24) ensured Alberbury’s challenge ended on 185-7.