Yesterday saw the start of this season’s Senior League programmes and, to cut to the chase, all three of our teams won with some comfort!
Pride of place, however, has to go to the 2nd XI’s effort at Ynystawe, during their 63 run victory!
And to Captain Joe “Root” Phillips and Gareth “Bazball” Baglow in particular, as they each scored a majestic ton during our pre-interval innings of 281-5 from 45 overs!
Joe opened the batting and was joined by Gareth with the board reading 72-2, after Jon Brearley (24, 5 fours) was dismissed. Gareth was out 195 runs later..267-3!
Having exhausted himself running The Manchester Marathon a fortnight ago, “Baggers” was in no mood for much running yesterday as he struck 7 fours and 10 sixes from the 89 balls faced! Meanwhile, Captain Joe batted throughout our innings for his masterly 113no from 132 balls, 11 fours & 2 maximums! Terrific effort, lads!
In reply, Ynystawe never really threatened, finishing on 218-9. Our bowling figures are not currently available but will be added here in due course.
At Marespool, Aneurin Norman won the toss and decided to let rip his 1st XI bowlers against Penarth.
And he was not let down as he (1-4 from 5 overs, no second spell required!), Max Phillips (3-42 from his 10), Jack Straw (1-16 from 5), Jamie Sheldon (2-26 from 6) & Greg Thomas (3-5, from 4 overs) bowled the visitors out for 132 inside 38 overs.
In reply, Aneurin made the positive move to open the batting himself, with Richard Gibby. Not one to waste daylight hours batting, Rich smashed 3 fours in his knock of 19 from 19 balls..36-1, AN 10no. Whilst Elliott Oates (6) & Greg (5) came & went, “Noddy” was prowling like an illegally caged tiger at the other end..80-3, AN 32no,
Max joined his skipper and any possibility of a Mumblesesque-type collapse was rapidly put to bed as these two guys saw their team home in the 23rd over, 136-3!
Noddy went through the gears, smashing 10 fours & 4 huge sixes during his scintillating effort of 73no from 63 balls! Max had provided fine support (14no, 2 fours).
Finally, Eurig Morgan discovered his kit at the bottom of his bag, where it had been germinating since late August ’22. He dutifully put it on to lead the ‘A’ XI at Llantwit Major.
Deciding to field first, Captain Morgan set the example with 2-13, loyally backed up by Vineet Sabharwal (1-13) and Tony Dowrick (1-25), as our hosts were restricted to just 114-5 in their 40 overs.
After tea, Alan Harris (40), debutant Matty Jovic (18), Tom Hannany (18) and Tony (22no) were the main contributors to the Club’s winning total of 117-6 in the 31st over.
A great start all round!
A busy weekend next week end as, on Saturday (6th), the 1st XI go east to Chepstow, the 2nd XI entertain Cowbridge at Marespool and the ‘A’ XI welcome Pontarddulais to Murton.
Then on Sunday (7th), the 1st XI take on Swansea Warriors CC in the Preliminary Round of the Welsh Cup at home, start (& bar open!) 1pm.
Also on Sunday, we have our first social event of the season at Marespool!
To celebrate the Coronation Bank Holiday, we shall be hosting a family BBQ and live music day.
From 4pm, the Barbie will be fired up and there will be great acoustic music from acclaimed local band CALON from 6pm!
Join us for a great day for all the family!