‘A’ XI fielding at Drefach today, on their way to a fine victory!
At Drefach this afternoon (28th), our ‘A’ XI fairly eased their way to a most convincing win by 171 runs!
Put into bat, our lads cruised to an impressive total of 233-8 at tea. The first guys to put their hands up were Stuart Seaton (29, 4 fours) and former All Whites winger Alan Harris (50 on debut, 5 fours) who added 68 for the first wicket. Dai Holland (48, 5 fours & a six) and Ian Joslin (22) then carried on the good work.
For some reason, however, having reached a score of 172-3, 4 cheap wickets fell in quick succession..186-7. Good efforts down the order by Kaps Radhakrishnan (20no, 2 fours) and Captain Eurig Morgan (16, 2 fours) resulted in the formidable final total.
This was followed by an even more impressive bowling & fielding performance, resulting in our hosts being bowled out for just 62 in the 35th over! Kaps (1-14), Eurig (2-5), Tony Dowrick (1-5), Seats (3-13) and 13 year old Macs Holland (3-6) were the destroyers! Well done to Eurig Morgan and his team!
Meanwhile, at Ynystawe, the 2nd XI went down by 4 wickets. Gareth Baglow’s Men posted a decent enough total of 246 all out in the 42nd of their allotted 45 overs, although the final 4 wickets fell within the space of 6 runs.
Returning Uni student Harri Turner top scored with 57 (9 fours & a six), with Jon Brearley (47, 8 fours), Craig Barrington (21, 3 fours), Joe Holland (48no, 7 fours) and Emyr Extras (44) also making good contributions.
The home side were soon hitting their straps as they set off in hot pursuit! Having reached 130-1, all seemed good in Ynystawe’s world. However, our bowlers kept their heads, as the scoreboard soon read 142-4! Where was this game going now?
At 167-5, and then 221-6 in the 41st over, there was still life in this game..26 runs required from 26 balls!
Gareth Bishop now joined the experienced Rowan Evans at the crease, and duly hammered 16no (3 fours) from just 13 deliveries! At the other end, wily Rowan finished with 37no (3 fours & a maximum), as Ynystawe eventually crossed the line in the penultimate over! Joe (3-27) led the bowlers today with Harri (1-43), Tomos Williams (1-34 from 8 overs) and Rhys Davies (1-48) also featuring. An exciting game!
The 1st XI’s recent fine form was not on show in the sunshine at Marespool, where visitors Ynystawe romped to an impressive 8 wicket victory at around 4 o’clock and, with it, the double over MCC this time!
After being asked to bat first, Aneurin Norman’s lads could only muster 104 all out in the 42nd over. Only opener Richard Gibby (26 from 25 balls, 3 fours & a six), Sean Davies (12, 1 four), opening bowler Will Easterfield (20, 2 fours) and Edwin Extras (21) reached double figures.
In reply, Ynystawe raced to 55 in the 7th over, when the first wicket fell to Jack Straw (1-28). 11 overs later, the target was reached with the loss of just one more wicket, this time to fellow spinner Greg Thomas (1-20).
Next Saturday (4th), the 1st XI travel to Cowbridge, the 2nd XI take on Swansea at Marespool and the ‘A’ XI play host to Llandarcy at Murton.