Brecon’s 1st XI have been close in almost all games this season, and against Blackwood Town, it was time to find the cigar, writes Dan Gee.

A brilliant 98-run opening partnership between James Davenport (56) and Elis Barnet-Smith (43) set things up. Himal Saud notched up an energetic 52 and Rhys Pritchard contributed 32. Ryan Morgan’s 23 not out was the icing on a cake made of 261 runs.

Blackwood jumped on anything wayward and quickly reached 62-1. Buff Kenchington brought some control, and James Mitchell bowled well without reward.

Three deliveries after giving up the gloves to Dan Bowen, Pritchard took a wicket. Ed Bevan then lit up the BSA with a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul, including a smart grab by stand-in keeper Bowen.

Blackwood’s Dan Wilkinson finally fell to the bowling of Mitchell for an incredible 139. It was tight to the end but, in truth, the visitors capitulated and Brecon bagged a needed six-run win in an entertaining game.

The 2nd XI travelled to Newbridge and bowled first on a damp pitch.

Huw Griffiths found some variable bounce without reward. Tomos Marshall could count himself unlucky with a dropped chance at gully and a close LBW not going his way.

Dan Witcomb broke an opening partnership of 133 and snagged two more quick wickets. But catches win matches, and costly drops from Griffiths and Dan Gee meant that Harry Price would go on to make 77, featuring a six that hit his mother-in-law on the head.

Despite the tiring opener Andy Evans falling for 88 courtesy of debutant Mohammad Hassan, the home team scored a healthy 284.

Batting at three, Griffiths shot his way to 69 off 33 balls. But as umpire Witcomb gave him out LBW, Brecon’s hopes sank to the bottom of Newbridge’s polluted river.

Henry Alp Williams made 32, but the chances kept coming, and Newbridge took advantage. Brecon’s 2nd XI remain second, but this 114-run loss is one to forget. Finishing the weekend was Brecon's Sunday XI who won in a friendly vs Hay-on-Wye. It was a Father's Day special as four dads took the field with their sons in a game played in high-spirits on a hot day.