With the Club’s 1st XI and 2nd XI matches falling foul of the rain yesterday (7th), it was left to our ‘A’ XI to create some sunshine on the all-weather pitch at Murton.
And, despite the bleak weather which stuck around all afternoon, John Courtney’s Lads did their bit to contribute to a fine game.
Batting first, visitors Baglan flew to a total of 241-8 from their 40 overs. It could have been more if JC’s bowlers had not effectively stemmed the flow after the openers had scored 154 runs between them! Paul Kenealy (3-36), Kapilan Radhakrishnan (3-43), Gethin Morgan (1-22) & Sean Davies (1-18) were the wicket takers but all eight bowlers employed stuck to their task admirably.
After the break, Wales Over 60s player Paul Kenealy and MCC U17s Captain Sean Davies opened up with a stand of 47, before Sean was out for 30 (6 fours). Fellow U17 player Mike Jarrett joined PK, taking things to 124 when the senior pro was dismissed for 46 (2 fours & 3 sixes). 124-2 soon became 138-4, by which time Mike was out for 35 (4 fours & a max).
Having lost some momentum, it was now down to seasoned campaigners Tony Dowrick and Paddy Jenkins to lead the final sprint for the line..and they certainly tried! They were both unbeaten at the end, having added 87 for the 5th wicket. Sadly, however, our boys finished on 225-4..16 runs short. Tony had notched 66no (9 fours & 2 sixes) whilst Paddy chipped in with 16no (1 four).
STOP PRESS (8th) – The 1st XI have just been narrowly defeated by 5 runs by Clydach at Marespool in the SWCA T20 Cup Q/F!
Batting first, our guests posted 127-6 in their 20 overs on a ground that was holding water only yesterday. In reply, our lads finished on 122-8 after an exciting chase. The full match scorecard will appear on our Play-cricket website asap.
Well tried, lads, and good luck to Clydach in the semi-final v Swansea next Sunday.
Next Saturday (14th), the 1st XI welcome Bridgend to Marespool, our 2nd XI make their way to Ynysygerwn and the ‘A’ XI travel to Llandysul. Then, on Sunday (15th), the ‘A’ XI take on Pontardawe at Marespool in the SWCA T20 Intermediate Cup semi-final.