Craig Jones cool on Quatt title push

Trailing second-placed Ludlow by a mere three points, if the men from the Quatt Oval can secure a win and their south Shropshire counterparts do not manage to overcome Frankton, then they will overtake them to sit one below leaders Whitchurch.

Quatt racked up an imposing 318-8 off their 50 overs last weekend against Market Drayton, with wicketkeeper Alex Biddle top-scoring thanks to a colossal 143 from only 100 balls.

In reply, Drayton managed to push their hosts all the way, but were eventually bowled out just short of their target for 296, Terry Hughes collecting 4-43.

On Biddle’s hundred, captain Craig Jones revealed that he had seen ‘few better innings’.

“It was one of the best hundreds I’ve seen. He played proper shots, the wicket was good, the outfield was fast and he batted really well, and scored quickly,” he said.

Skipper Jones and his men travel to eighth-placed St Georges next, looking to push up the league, and the Quatt leader revealed that they have enjoyed tough games against the Telford side of late.

They are also boosted by the news that they will be unchanged from their 22-run success, with momentum firmly carrying over — especially in the bowling department.

“We always seem to have really tight games against St Georges, no matter where we are in the league,” added Jones.

“We’ve won a few, they’ve won a few, so hopefully we can come out on the right side. It’ll definitely be a tough test for us.

“We should be unchanged, and it’s good for confidence. Gareth Jones and Jonathan Edwards are my two left-armers and they’re bowling really well for me so hopefully they can carry that on.”

However, Jones was quick to play down his side’s title aspirations, and believes that they should set their eyes on a target more fitting of the players at their disposal.

And with possible problems in the foreseeable future, he believes aims should remain realistic.

“We were at full strength last week and we are again this week, but it’s holiday season soon, and that will harm our availability,” said Jones.

“I am obviously hopeful of challenging for the title, but being realistic I think we should look to get in the top three.

“We probably don’t possess the strength in depth (to win the title) for when availability is low in the future.”

Elsewhere in the league, Frankton play host to Ludlow, while Worfield visit Madeley. Bottom of the table Albrighton head to Wem, with leaders Whitchurch welcoming Newtown.