Today (27th) saw Gorseinon in town as they came to do battle with Phil Roche’s 1st XI in Round 2 of the Welsh Cup.
With a number of regulars not available, here was a great chance for other guys in the squad to make their mark. AND what a game those present were privileged to see!
Phil won the toss and chose to field first on a breezy but dry day. His judgement was soon rewarded as the experienced quick scoring Kieran Howells was dismissed by Adam Frangakis-Williams for just 19, 22-1 in the 6th of 40 overs. Six overs later, the board read 41-2 as spinner Sam Harris joined the party, with a second catch for the skipper!
Healthy batting saw our visitors reach 104 when the third wicket fell, soon to become 111-4. Another stand saved “Gors'” blushes, 160-5..then, in no time yet again, 173-6 in the 37th over. A crucial last few overs coming up, where Gorseinon won that mini battle..no further loss of wickets whilst 33 runs were added.
Adam had taken 1-24, Sam 2-39, George Lloyd 2-51 and Ben Jones 1-21. Phil Roche held three catches while Jack Straw conceded a mere 12 runs from his 8 overs. Final Gorseinon team total 206-6..a shade over 5 runs an over being the required run rate if MCC were to go through to Round 3!
After tea, an early setback to the Club’s reply..4-1. Opener Chris Matthews was undaunted, however, as he struck 38 (6 fours) from just 27 balls faced..50-2 in the 14th over. That strike rate could not be immediately maintained but Ben Lloyd did pitch in with a coolly composed knock of 40 (3 fours) before he departed..141-4 in the 32nd over. 66 required from 8 overs.
Rahul Shah was into his stride at the other end by now, however. He had come in with the score reading 77-3, 8 overs earlier. Surely he could not keep this scintillating striking up? Could anyone support him?
To cut to the chase, Rahul did his level best to pull off a remarkable victory with one of the finest innings of its type seen at Marespool for a while. He was eventually out for 77 from just 54 balls faced, smashing 6 fours & three sixes en route. Guys came and went at the other end, as he scored his runs from 118 added to the total whilst he was there. MCC 195-8 with 7 balls remaining, 12 required for a home win!
Unfortunately, however, that proved a bridge too far..Gorseinon held their nerve, taking crucial wickets at crucial times, to eventually win by 8 runs!
A truly great match! Well played Gorseinon..good luck in Round 3!