SOUTH EAST WALES CRICKET LEAGUE

The double header against Abergavenny Cricket Club proved very rewarding for Brecon Cricket Club with the 1st team winning at home by seven wickets, whilst the 2nd team came out on top in a high-scoring encounter at Abergavenny by 49 runs, writes Gwyn Price.

In Brecon the visitors won the toss and elected to bat. However James Mitchell quickly got amongst the opposing batsmen taking a wicket with his second delivery and then building on this by dismissing four more batsmen in quick order as he took 5-18 in an excellent spell of seam bowling.

He received the usual combative support from his opening partner Sam Williams (1-22) and then from Finn Starkey (2-10), who is settling in well to his role in 1st team cricket.

The Aber innings under this pressure fell away to 84 all out in conditions which did suit seam bowling but as ever the ball must be pitched in the right areas to reap the benefits.

Completing the dismissals for Brecon were Iain Mitchell and Matt Williams with one each.

In reply Brecon too found the going difficult, but in form pair Rhys Prichard (36) and Gethin Phillips (35), battled hard to take the innings to within 10 runs of the required total before being separated and from there the victory was assured by seven wickets.

At Aber batting first the Brecon 2nd team rattled up 249-5 with Rhodri Thomas giving a masterclass with the bat posting 104no to put up his second ton for the club.

He initially enjoyed good support from Rowan Starkey (36) in a stand of 104.

Ben Kenchington (41) and then Rob Hudman (39no) formed the other notable partnerships of 70 and 67 respectively with Thomas as the inning continued at a rapid pace.

Aber however did not go quietly and their openers in turn, Steve Brown (36) and Drew Hefferman (16), quickly brought up 50 and ensured the challenge was on. With Gareth Powell (55) and Nathen Holley (40) powering the ball to all areas in the mid innings Aber always looked like they may do the job.

However, progress was slowed by a lively spell by Ryan Morgan (1-28) and then the spin of Steve Kenchington (4-30).

Brecon’s captain John Cooke also bowled a telling spell of (3-28) and with Rob Hudman (1-20) chipping in and then aided by a run out Brecon ensured Aber’s valiant effort finished on exactly 200. Brecon now remained the only unbeaten team in Division Two.

Next Saturday the 1st team are away to Usk and the 2nd team entertain Rogerstone.

MARCHES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Builth 1sts 184 all out lost to Goodrich 1sts 186-2

by 8 wickets

Goodrich 1sts underlined their title winning credentials with a crushing eight wicket victory at a sun drenched Garth Road.

Having been asked to bat Builth got off to a positive start with seasoned campaigner Winston Williams (34) and Skipper Sam Williams (46) setting the tone taking their side to 101-1. On their dismissals only Chris Roff (26) and Richard Galton (29no) could make any further inroads as an inexperienced tail left Galton high and dry. The metronomic Mark Bradford (6-23) once again proved to be Builths tormentor in chief and with Joe Provis (2-47) left Builth short of what felt needed to challenge a strong Goodrich batting line up.

This proved the case as first Chris Tookey (70) and Rory Jackson (47) blugeoned an under strength Builth attack. Sam Griffiiths (41no) and James O’Brien (15no) made sure of the maximum points as Goodrich cantered to their target inside 25 overs.

The only glimmer of hope for Builth came in the shape of teenage bowlers Arthur Davies (1-9) and Ben Cripps (1-31).

A rueful Builth skipper Sam Williams commented: “We were second best all day, 184 is never enough at Builth.”

Builth 1sts will welcome near neighbours Kington next Saturday with the 2nds making their way to Ledbury 2nds after a blank weekend.

Glangrwyney’s Firsts away to Woolhope Firsts

Glangrwyney’s captain Ryan Sharpe won the toss and elected to field after which the home team made the most of the offer to rack up 170-8 in their 45 overs. For the visitors, Nicki Jones 2-36, Jules Hardwick 2-27 and new boy Kevin Palmer 2-35 on debut bowled well.

In reply, both visitors’ openers were out first ball which set the tone for the innings and the total of 64 meant a chastening loss by 106 runs. For the home team, the stand-out performer was Stuart Davies who took 7-21 from his ten overs with three maidens.

It was Glangrwyney’s first loss of the season however they remain second in the league.

Glangrwyney Seconds home to Woolhope Seconds

Another good win by the seconds who recovered from 17-3 when chasing 100 to win with confident knocks by youngsters Jack Peach 31 not out and Tom Devoy 29.

In testing conditions, the inexperienced pair held firm against the new ball attack and accumulated when they could but hit out to keep the score board moving. A fifty-run partnership had been achieved when Devoy was out, but captain Jim Astle hit a quick 20 to seal the win.

In Woolhope’s innings of 99 all out, wickets were shared with Edward Hooper two wickets, Tom Devoy three wickets, Graham Paton two wickets and James McIlroy two wickets who is on a hat-trick next game.

Fielding and catching this week was perfect with all chances being taken.