Phil Roche’s ‘A’ XI maintained their 100% record thus far this season when they defeated Drefach by 5 wickets yesterday (18th)!
On-going early season selection issues, centred around non-availability and late withdrawals, continued to torment the Club’s Captains during the week but Rochey’s eventual XI did him proud on the day!
Phil won the toss and sent the home side in to bat…Drefach 0-1 in no time! They eventually mustered 132-9 from their 40 overs, of which Owain Evans weighed in with 75 and Ethan Extras scored 28! Rochey took 3-4 from his 8 overs (that’s what it says in the score-book any road!), Alex Davies claimed 2-29, Mike Jarrett 2-24 and Lloyd Roche 2-23..top work all round!
After tea, our ‘A’ XI started writing a script of their own…whilst Rochey was chewing yet another sarnie, MCC were 1-1 in no time! Ian Hoskison (17) and John Courtney (48, 6 fours) soon addressed that blip that’s for sure! They came up with a screenplay of their own as they took the score to 56 before Ian was out. Dasher Carl Lawrence contributed 36 runs (5 fours), whilst Paddy Jenkins (12no, 1 four) and Mike Jarrett (also 12no, 1 four & a six) saw their boys home. MCC 140-5 in the 39th over, winning by 5 wickets!
At Marespool, Ryan Aingworth lost the toss with visitors Neath putting our 1st XI in to bat.
Before one knew it, the scoreboard showed a score of 36-5, and then 62-7…!! Then, thanks to the resilience of David Thomas and the exuberance of Jean-Piere Cronje, a recovery of sorts was effected..46 runs were added before Dave (2) left. “J-P” carried on, flaying his sword so effectively! It was thanks to his fine knock of 51 (7 fours) and that of Eddie Extras, cousin of Ethan, (41!) that we presented Neath with any sort of challenge at all at tea..MCC 155 all out!
Anyway, with great determination, Aneurin ” Noddy” Norman and Dan Lewis-Williams shared the new ball..nothing was given away from the off! 9-0 from 5 overs and a lot of “playing & missing”, 19 from 12…AND a world class catch at gully by Noddy off DLW to take the first wicket! Next over, Captain Ryan took a fine catch of his own.. Neef 25-2!
Then, at 27-2….we dropped a straightforward catch..ouch! After that, Neath recovered well as all-rounder Sean Griffiths set his stall out. He and wicket keeper Chris took the score to 105 before Jack Straw held a good catch at fine leg to see Chris on his way. NEXT BALL, Dan dismissed James Archer…Neath now 105-4! Could it be…?!
Not really..Sean saw to that! Our lads did take one more wicket but it wasn’t enough…Neath won by 5 wickets in the 43rd over, Sean 74no, DLW 4-16..game over!
At Carmarthen Wanderers’ ground, Stuart Seaton’s 2nd XI also lost their unbeaten record. The home side batted first and put together an impressive total of 215-4, despite John Blyth’s fine effort with the ball..3-31 from his ten overs. Dave Martin (1-28) was the other successful bowler.
In the second half, our 2nd XI opened up with a partnership of 85 as Seats (32, 3 fours) and Peter Tuckett (34, 5 fours) went about their business. Sadly, however, the remaining batsmen could not follow this…142 all out, with ten overs of the game remaining..The Wanderers deservedly won by 73 runs.
Next Saturday, the 1st XI travel to Port Talbot Town, the 2nd XI take on Neath at Marespool and our ‘A’ XI welcome Skewen to Murton.
On Sunday (26th), our 1st XI compete in the Premier League T20 competition. Along with host club Neath and also Swansea, Ryan’s Lads take part in this triangular Round Robin Festival for the right to win through to the League Final at Sophia Gardens later in the season. Neath play Swansea at 10.30am, followed by our 1st XI taking on the losers of that clash at 1.30pm. The final match of MCC v Winners Neath/Swansea kicks off at 5pm.