Newport cash in as Fields slip up
Sam Millward praised his Newport side’s impressive away victory and admitted it was all the more sweet as rivals Castlefields fell short.
Newport’s 12-4 success at Chester Road put them top of the Shropshire Premier League while reigning champions Castlefields, who Millward expected to win at Wem USC, only managed five winners.
The Fishes’ 225-199 aggregate win lifted them four points clear at the top, with Fields one of three chasing sides tied on 71 points.
Newport started well at Chester Road and, after tying the middle four, were boosted by a superb Peter Cookson effort at the start of the back four.
“It was a great result for us,” said Millward. “I was chuffed with everyone. We were looking for any sort of win.
“Castlefields won at Wem last year and it was a place they were looking to win at again. If we were looking to keep in touch we had to get a really good result. Wem got a great result and we got more than expected.”
At 5-3 heading into the back four, Newport held a slender aggregate lead of just one but Cookson’s timely 21-4 crushing of Chris Stretch eased their nerves.
“Pete has played really well this season, he’s been brilliant,” added the skipper.
“For him to win like that was brilliant for us. But we won a few close games too. Stuart Clee won to 20, Josh Bradburn 19, David Lloyd 17 after being 17-13 down.
“Everyone stuck in there. It does help when you win the first games and more things go your way.”
Millward added: “We’re playing with some really nice lads this year. Everyone’s getting on and there’s great banter around the green. We’ve got Wem at home on Friday and need to win to keep the pressure on.”
St Georges kept up the heat on the leaders and edge a three-way huddle of teams on 71 points thanks to a 13-1 home drubbing of Burway.
Lewis Scott (21-7), Clay Flattley (21-8) and Rob Roden (21-9) led the way for the Telford side, leaving their visitors with just the one winner, courtesy of Jolyon Partridge.
Sir John Bayley join St Georges and Castlefields on 71 points after eight matches.
The Bayley Boys were 11-3 victors over sixth-placed Wrockwardine Wood. Tom Roden (21-5) and Spencer Clarke (21-6) their standout results.
Highley’s good form continued with a 9-5 success against Bylet to lift the hosts into 10th, a place above their visitors.
Hanmer climbed to eighth with a 10-4 success against Ifton, with Lee Peate (21-4) starring.
Hanwood strengthened their position in fifth with a solid 11-3 win over Meole Brace, who are seventh.
