SOUTH EAST WALES CRICKET LEAGUE

A SUPERB display from Brecon Cricket Club 1st team saw them comfortably defeat current Division One leaders Newbridge by six wickets in their clash at the BSA Fields on Saturday in a game sponsored by Calibre Connections.

On winning the toss Brecon captain Sam Williams had no hesitation in asking Newbridge to bat, a decision which came up trumps as the powerful Newbridge batting line up was shot out for a paltry 49, with the Brecon seamers really going to town supported by an excellent fielding display.

The main damage to the Newbridge batting line-up was done by a skilful spell of 5 for 16 from opening bowler James Mitchell. Sam Williams also chipped in with 3 for 15 to ensure that his decision to bowl first was fully vindicated. James Lovering then cleared the lower order up with a short but lively spell in taking 2 for 2.

The Brecon batting found the Newbridge opening bowlers difficult but fought their way to victory for the loss of four wickets after only 13 overs with Matt Williams (11) the top contributor with the bat in what was a memorable and vital home victory.

Away at Dinas Powys the 2nd team did their own demolition job with a comfortable 102 run victory in a game reduced to 35 overs a side because of the forecasted rain. Batting first Brecon put up 180 being bowled out with just two balls of their allotted overs remaining.

Rhodri Thomas was the main man with the bat striking a positive 59. He received good support from Ryan Morgan (16) and the rest of the batting order and on his dismissal Dafydd Edwards (17no) steered the lower order through to ensure full value was squeezed out of the innings.

Excellent bowling then ensure that the Dinas Powys reply never mounted a challenge and with John Cooke just missing out on a hat trick with his 3 for 3 and Ryan Morgan 2 for 16 exerting the pressure which resulted in the innings falling to defeat on 78 all out after 22 overs.

Next Saturday the 1st team are away to second placed Malpas which will be another vital encounter with both teams currently in excellent form. The 2nd team are at home to second place Croesyceilog with a victory a requirement to maintain their challenge for a promotion place.