The 1st XI kept their composure at Marespool this afternoon (24th) to return to winnings ways against Cardiff..victory by 3 wickets, with three overs remaining!
After winning the toss, stand-in skipper Aneurin Norman chose to put Cardiff into bat. His 1st XI were soon rewarded as a typically smart stumping by Chris Matthews reduced our guests to 6-1 early on. Cardiff’s uncertainty continued for a while as they were wobbling at 53-3 in the 20th over. A recovery then served to even things out somewhat..112-4 was the total when Tom Barry was dismissed with 14 overs remaining. To be fair, Cardiff then played very well to add 100 runs, losing 3 further wickets in the process..212-7 at tea.
That they never really got away was a credit to the home bowlers – whilst Gavin Williams (1-22), Max Phillips (2-40), Rahul Shah (3-55) and Jamie Sheldon, bowling very well at the end with 1-44, shared the wickets, Aneurin (0-21 from 9 overs) and Jack Straw (0-28, from his 10) also warrant mentions in despatches. Just over four an over to win in good batting conditions…hhmmm!
After the interval, however, our 1st XI also showed some nerves after their recent defeats..15-1 in the 6th over. Chris Matthews (31, 4 fours) was looking good before he was dismissed after 15 overs..54-2. Soon after, wicket number three tumbled..63-3. Some steadiness now required!
Well, Craig Meschede & the Captain set about applying their combined experience to the cause, taking the total to 117 before Aneurin (18, 1 six) was bowled. Now then, we had a great game boiling up here..4 wickets down and nineteen overs in which to score 96 runs. Certainly gettable but how would the 1st XI’s recent lack of confidence now affect the chase?
Not well to start with..two further very quick wickets followed, 118-6! “Mesch” 36 not out..
Come on somebody, get stuck in! Dr Richard Gibby knows a thing or two about coming to the rescue and he did just that! For such a naturally attacking batsman, Rich showed cool composure and no little restraint as he provided invaluable support for Craig who now began to really dominate matters! These two guys added 87 in just over 14 overs before Craig was caught behind for a brilliant 85 (8 fours & a six), with just 8 runs required..205-7!
No more dramas, however, as the ice-cool Rahul (5no, 1 four) joined “The Doc” to see the boys home with overs to spare! Richard ended not out, with 38 runs (1 four & 2 maximums) to his name. His knock was just so good to watch which, along with Craig’s of course, will hopefully give their teammates great heart as they face the final five games of Season ’21! Really well done, everyone!
Out of town, those watching the 2nd XI match at Clydach saw some quite remarkable cricket, before MCC kept their cool to take the spoils after a high scoring contest!
Batting first, MCC lost the toss and proceeded to rack up 292-8 from their 50 overs..Conor Stone 121 not out! Also figuring in the main partnerships of the innings were Captain Jaimie Thomas (34), Sean Davies (32) & Joe Phillips (22). In reply, our hosts tried really hard, only to finish 15 runs adrift on 277-4!
Finally, and to the neutral, arguably the finest achievement today came at the ‘A’ XI’s game at Murton, where Drefach took gold after a remarkable match!
John Courtney’s Lads must have felt happy after their 40 overs..232-6! Despite losing a very early wicket, MCC’s scoreboard fairly rattled along as Jaden Patel (51, 6 fours), Paul Kenealy (57, 9 fours), Jon Brearley (77no, 10 fours & 2 sixes) and Luke Edwards (35, 4 fours & 2 sixes) made hay before tea.
However, Drefach were in no mood to be charitable! The board showed a total of 70 before their first wicket fell, a great start! Then, JC’s bowlers’ efforts were further rewarded when Drefach were reduced to 114-4! Surely, finding another 119 runs for victory would now be a bridge too far?
Well, nearly! A recovery took Drefach to 194 when the fifth wicket fell..then 195-6! Another game which could now go either way at this stage! Thereafter however, Drefach batted with coolness to eventually get over the line in the final over to win by 4 wickets..233-6! Mike Jarrett (1-29), George Lloyd (1-44), Joe Holland (2-40), PK (1-20) & Tony Dowrick (1-21) shared the wickets to fall.
There are no Senior league games next Saturday (31st). Instead, on Sunday (1st), our 2nd XI travel to Carmarthen Wanderers whilst the ‘A’ XI make their way to Maesteg. The 1st XI’s match, originally scheduled for 31/7, will now be played on Saturday 4th September, when Pontarddulais visit Marespool.