Craig Jones backing Whitchurch for glory

Jones led Quatt to a 53-run success over Wem during a rain-affected afternoon, a result that leaves then 43 points adrift of table-topping Whitchurch.

But Jones feels the north Shropshire outfit are heading straight back to the Birmingham League.

“It’s put us back in touch a bit, but I can’t see anybody catching Whitchurch to be honest with you. Having played them, I feel they are the strongest team in this league and they are the team to beat.

“We will be trying hard to finish as high as we can. I think runners-up is a realistic target for us, but to do that you have to win against the teams around you.

“We haven’t managed to do that really so far (losing to Whitchurch and Ludlow). We’ve come up on the wrong side against them as our batting has not been good enough against those teams.

“That’s something we are working on, trying to build partnerships to make us stronger.”

Quatt grafted their way to 165-8 from 50 overs against Wem with Alex Biddle (51) and skipper Jones (47) the chief run-getters.

Jonathan Edwards then led the way with the ball, picking up 3-43 as Wem were dismissed for 112.

“I think we caught Wem on a good day as they were without the Cohen brothers (Matthew and Danny) who are big players for them,” said Jones.

“It was an easy wicket to stay in on, but not an easy wicket to score on. It was a good win for us in the end.”

Newtown beat Albrighton by 159 runs after a superb 152 from Hamish Harding and half-centuries from Jack Morris and Sam Cooke saw them post 367-6.

Albrighton fell for 208 in reply with Navnit Jogi making 36. Tom Foulkes and David Anthony both picked up three wickets.

Broseley also tasted success as they beat Frankton by eight wickets.

The top of the table clash between Whitchurch and Worfield was hit by the weather with Worfield 52-2 in response to Whitchurch’s 289-8 of which Connor Tinsley contributed 91.