Lilleshall made it two wins out of two in division one of the Rollinson Smith Shropshire Cricket League when grinding out a 49 run win over Llanidloes.
They were indebted to a sparkling 76 from Paul Bainbridge setting them up. Coming in at 17-1 when Dave Marshall (11) was dismissed, Bainbridge quickly took up the attack.
Simon Bushell stayed with him until 52 but the loss of two more quick wickets made it 53-4. But Kelvin Price was the man for a crisis and he stayed with Bainbridge, who was unleashing shots to all parts.
He hit three sixes and eight fours and it was a surprise and relief to Llanidloes when he was dismissed with the score on 111. Price (10) was out one run later and Lilleshall tottered to 139-8 before Steve Bate (16 not out) and Richard Dakin (14) added a much-needed 22 for the ninth wicket, after which wickets off successive balls ended the innings at 161.
Llanidloes had 54 overs to get the runs but Will Askin soon had them struggling with Lilleshall’s first wicket. Nick Cleweley (1-13) accounted for the other opener and another for Askin put Lilleshall in charge.
They had to be patient however, for the visitors proved to be in stubborn mood.Skipper Cleweley switched his bowlers and it paid off for the excellent Dakin (1-6) and 16-year-old Chris Airey (1-14).
Another youngster, Adam Copsey (2-20) and Steve Bate (2-22) also got into the act before Askin (3-28) returned to grab the ninth, Bate finishing it off at 112 to give Lilleshall a 49 run success and maximum points.
Tomorrow, Lilleshall visit Worfield, 2pm.
Lilleshall 2nd XI also maintained their winning start when battling to victory at Montgomery.
Batting was never easy and the home side were quickly pegged back by Steve Pedley, who took 3-10 in 11 overs. His opening partner, young Alex Russell, bowled five good overs without reward and Andy Potter kept up the pressure, taking 2-28 off 10 overs.
Martin Jefferies also took a wicket in five tight overs while Richard Harris, like Russell, got no reward in his bright six overs.
Ian Dawes took two wickets as he came on at the end and Montgomery were restricted to 94-8 off their 40 overs.
Ollie Todd hit 19 when Lilleshall batted but the early part of the innings fell away to 30-5. Then skipper Edward Seabury and Richard Leech got together for a match winning sixth wicket partnership.
It was Leech who took the lead with a robust innings of 24 that included a six and two fours.
And when he was dismissed the more patient Seabury (24 not out), aided by young Alex Dyer, guided his side to a three wicket success. Seabury's side now entertain Worfield tomorrow, 2pm.
lSenior practice is now in full swing at Lilleshall on Thursday nights (6.30) and anyone fancying playing for the club is welcome to attend.
