Both Brecon teams took on Ponthir, with the 1st XI travelling for a tightly fought game where over 500 runs were scored, writes Dan Gee.

Brecon bowled first, with Sam Williams being joined by Ed Bevan in opening duties. Bevan put some poor form behind him to bowl economically, without success, and Williams can count himself unlucky. Brecon dropped five catches in the field, three of them off his bowling.

Young spinner Sudhir Chand made his return to the team but was unable to contain the charge of Davies, Ponthir’s opener, who eventually fell to the excellent Greg Webber for an almighty 140. Richard Lovering’s skillful use of reverse swing created a C&B chance, which he snaffled, and skipper Rhys Pritchard put two drops behind him to bag a pair of wickets, but like Chand, struggled to contain the runs. Ponthir notched up 256/6 off their 45, and Brecon went to work.

Webber and James Davenport got the away team off to a positive start, and at 118-2, with both having scored a 50, Brecon were well set. Tom Wood and Richard Lovering struggled to get going, but Pritchard and Andy MacDonald combined to score half-centuries while keeping up with the rate. As the skipper fell, the burden fell on MacDonald’s shoulders.

Williams and Rowan Starkey came and went, and 15 was needed off the final over. A two, a four and three singles left Ben Kenchington with the task of dispatching the final ball for six to win. His effort was valiant, but just short. It went for four, and Brecon were the losers by a mere run. Brecon’s form book looks less than impressive, but their continued stickability will surely pay off. A home contest against Machen CC awaits.

At the BSA, it was a battle of the 2nd XIs. Brecon fielded a strong team, with several players unlucky to miss out. Skipper John Kenchington won the toss and chose to bat. Luke Bowen looked good for his 20, but was bowled by Olympian Chris Baker. Hamil Saud looked his fluent self before going for 28. There were scores of 17 and 36 for Rayhan Uddin and Huw Griffiths, respectively, but the patient 69 from Kenchington was the spine from which Brecon scored a competitive 206.

Unlike their 1st XI counterparts, Brecon ate up their catches, with Dan Bowen taking three in the slip cordon. Gwyn Price and Uddin took a wicket apiece, and Tom Marshall polished off the tail.

But the highlight was Huw Griffiths, who returned figures of 5 for 19 off 8. A fine all-round performance from the Breconshire veteran. Ponthir 2nd XI were skittled for 98, and the members' bar was open early. With 20 points in the bag, Brecon’s 2nd XI travel to Pontcanna this Saturday to play the in-form Friends Union.