The facts from Newbridge Fields today (6th) speak for themselves, so…no narrative, just the story in figures!
Aneurin Norman lost the toss, Bridgend 1st XI batted first, only to be bowled out for a meagre 150 in 47th over! Backed up by some great fielding, all the bowlers contributed. Noddy took 3-22 from 10 overs, Dan Lewis-Williams 2-29 in 8, Jack Straw 1-22 from 10, Max Phillips 1-18 off 6, Dan Roberts 2-31 from 7 & Rhodri Evans 0-27 off 6…2 bowled, 2 out caught, 5 lbws and a run out.
In reply, MCC raced to 153-1 in the 35th over…victory by 9 wickets! There was a fine opening partnership of 123 before the in-form Evs (63 off 74 balls faced, 7 fours & 2 sixes) was dismissed. Fellow opener Max showed great character after a lean spell to notch a quality 48no (3 fours) which, along with Danrob’s knock of 19no (2 fours), was enough to see his side home. Maximum points against last year’s Premier League Champs in their own back yard..league cricketing life does not get much better than that!
A simply magnificent all-round performance from Noddy’s 1st XI!
At Marespool, the 2nd XI completed a comprehensive win over second placed Ynystawe. This was a major boost to the team in their quest for title honours – although still in 3rd place, the large haul of points today takes them to within just a point of Ynystawe and within comfortable reach of current leaders Port Talbot. The 2nd XI have a game in hand over Ynystawe and play Port Talbot on 20th! All to play for!
Alex Protheroe was acting captain today in the absence of the holidaying Stuart Seaton and was well pleased with his lads’ performance. Batting first, Alex’s batsmen totalled 218 before being bowled out in the final over before tea. MCC had reached 78-1 when Cam Protheroe was second man out for a fine 55 (10 fours). The third wicket fell 95 runs later when young Harri Turner departed for a stylish 67 (7 fours). His partner during what was to be the match winning stand was Rhys Parry (36, 3 fours). From 178-3, and owing to the efforts to scramble late runs, the 2nd XI innings closed on 218.
In reply, Ynystawe were defeated by 83 runs in the 48th over..135 all out! Five MCC bowlers took two wickets – Adam Frangakis-Williams 2-18, Luke Brown 2-25, Will Turner 2-22, Sam Harris 2-40 and Rahul Shah 2-18..another top team effort today!
The ‘A’ XI had a bye today.
Next Saturday (13th), the 1st XI entertain Neath, the 2nd XI travel to Neath and the ‘A’ XI visit Landore. On Sunday (14th), the 2nd XI play their league fixture v Swansea at Marespool.