Eurig Morgan’s ‘A’ XI pulled off an impressive win by 111 runs against Llandarcy at The Recreation Ground, Pontardawe this afternoon (24th).
However, it was not all plain sailing on a “testing” wicket! Batting first, our boys were 123-6 with just seven overs to bat. Then, 58 runs came at the end, resulting in a total of 181 all out at the break. Coming in at No. 6, Stuart Seaton was the architect of this recovery, scoring 72 invaluable runs.
In the second half, Llandarcy, also in the top three within our division, offered no real challenge to MCC’s bowlers as they were rolled over for 70 inside 20 overs.
Craig Barrington (4-7), Lewis Francis (3-20) & Eirig (1-20), plus two runouts, shared the spoils.
At Marespool, our table leading 1st XI came second to second placed Usk, in a match sponsored by The Swansea Building Society.
Our visitors chose to bat first on another warm afternoon. To move things on, and thanks to efforts of spinners Max Phillips (2-26) and Jack Straw (3-19), they were under pressure at the start of the 28th over..76-5.
However, a significant recovery then took place, before the sixth wicket fell..180-6 in the final over. Greg Handley (2-28) claimed another late scalp as Usk finished on 188-7.
There was a buzz around the ground at tea, with high expectations of our in-form team. Unfortunately, such optimism was misplaced as Usk’s bowlers took control from the first over..MCC 8-1.
This soon became 33-3, by which time the first of four lbw decisions had been given. Just such a shame that club cricketers cannot appeal to a third umpire on occasions!
Max (30, 5 fours) & Greg Thomas (also 30, 3 fours) tried their best, putting on 54 before Max was adjudged lbw..93-4.
The rest of our line-up could not rescue the situation sadly, as the side were eventually bowled out for 133, with 14 overs left to bat.
At Dafen, our 2nd XI notched up a total of 225-5 from their 45 overs.
Elliott Oates struck a splendid 100no, with Ben Jones (59) the other main guy today.
In reply, Dafen did not display any negative effects of the sun as they recovered in some style from being reduced to 14-1. The board read 153 when the second wicket fell and 208 when the 3rd was taken.
It was pretty well plain sailing after that as Dafen eased to their 5 wicket triumph in the penultimate over. Kaps (1-39), Rhys Davies (2-31), Elliott (1-34) and Jaimie Thomas (1-19) shared the wickets that fell.
Next Saturday (1st), the 1st XI (still league leaders tonight) travel to Cowbridge, the 2nd XI take on Clydach at home while our ‘A’ XI welcome Llantwit to Murton.