Brecon 1sts 177 all out Croesyceiliog 1sts 164 all out – Brecon won by 13 runs

ANOTHER combative performance from Brecon 1st team saw them overcome visitors Croesyceiliog on Saturday in a game sponsored by Beacon Detection and move into third place in Division One.

In yet another game where the damp conditions made batting difficult Brecon again lost the toss and were asked to bat and progressed to 177 all out with Matt Williams top scoring with 36 and Greg Webber weighing in with 18 however it was vital partnership of 58 between Gethin Phillips (27) and Tom Jones (27) which gave the innings real substance.

The Croesy response was built around a fine 92 from Alex Berry however on his dismissal late in proceedings the innings lost its momentum and went from 141-4 to fall away to 164 all out. The Brecon bowling and fielding was up to its usual high standard which never allowed the Croesy innings to get away and with Tom Jones 3-34, Matt Williams 3-47 and Richard Lovering 3 for 36 all producing fine spells victory was Brecon’s in a tense finish.

Brecon 2nds 185-9 Croesyceiliog 2nds 175-8 Brecon won by 10 runs

The 2nd team away at second placed Croesy continued their good form with a hard fought win in a compelling encounter. With all the Brecon batting line up contributing the innings picked up momentum throughout with Steve Kenchington (31), Rob Hudman (28) and Rhys Pritchard (19) in the engine room. However it was an unbeaten last wicket stand of 26 between Dan Marshall (25no) and Brandon Tod which put the icing on the cake.

The Croesy reply had to fight hard against testing seam bowling from Dan and Tom Marshall but managed to keep the innings on course and at the halfway stage stood at 80 for 1. A fine direct hit run out by Dan Marshall then turned things in Brecon’s favour and opened the door to the further fall of wickets with Ryan Morgan (1-30), Rob Hudman (1-30 and Steve Kenchington (1-19) all bowling good spells to build the pressure.

In the end It came down to the last two overs with Croesy needing 20 runs with four wickets in hand but with the opening bowlers Dan and Tom Marshal returning wickets fell rapidly and runs were at a premium allowing a jubilant Brecon to run out winners by 10 runs.

Next week the 1st team are at home to Usk whilst the 2nd team visit Rogerstone.