Newport have been boosted by the return of opening batsman Paul Furniss as they look to keep pace at the top of the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League division one.
Furniss has been in tremendous form already this season with 370 runs from his seven games at an impressive average of 74.
And he joins brother Rob in the starting XI for tomorrow’s crucial trip to last season’s runners-up Quatt.
Resurgent Newport kept within touching distance of early leaders Madeley with a seven-wicket, 20-point victory over Trysull & Seisdon last weekend. Strong batting by Aditya Jain (95) and James Board (25) made light work of their 142 target.
Trysull captain Lee Nightingale won the toss and, on a wicket that looked like a batsman’s paradise, had no hesitation in opting to bat first.
Newport made an early breakthrough, Ed Parton having Trysull opener Fullwood caught at extra cover without scoring.
With the score at 30-1, skipper Pat Davenport introduced Joe Chadwick into the attack to partner Nick Watkins.
This change brought about an immediate result, Chadwick having the other Trysull opener caught behind.
From this point wickets fell regularly to a combination of fine bowling and some fairly injudicious shots.
Chadwick clean bowled the dangerous Nightingale for eight and at 77-7 it looked like Trysull would be dismissed for less than 100.
However, following some lusty blows from No 9 Ben Nightingale, who scored 49 before being bowled by Chadwick, the Trysull innings ended on 142 all out in the 41st over.
The bowling of Watkins, who claimed 5-42 from 16 consecutive overs, and Chadwick, who took 4-15, was excellent.
Captain Davenport said: “Nick bowled his usual tight line and length, making it difficult for the batsmen to score, and Joe bowled with good pace and aggression.
“I can’t praise them enough. They both bowled superbly.”
Rob Furniss and Board then opened the Newport innings aggressively.
However, with the score on 20, Furniss was adjudged lbw for 15.
Enter Aditya and he and Board took the score to 130 in less than 13 overs before Aditya fell for 95 from 41 balls – an innings that included five sixes and 12 fours.
Board showed great awareness throughout his innings, giving Aditya the strike at every opportunity, but was finally dismissed with the score on 138 for a well crafted 25.
This brought vice-captain Eddie Keenan to the crease and – despite a first ball scare – he stroked the next two balls to the boundary, bringing Newport a much deserved victory in only 16.3 overs.
After tomorrow’s clash at Quatt, Newport host Welshpool on Thursday in the first round of the Shrewsbury Chronicle Twenty20 Knockout competition. Start time is 6.15pm.
By Sean Wozencroft