Talybont CC 276 for 4 Bartestree 4ths CC 75 all out
TALYBONT stretched their unbeaten run to five games as they completed a convincing 201 run victory over Bartestree 4ths and in the process opened up an eight point lead at the top of the table.
Bartestree won the toss and made the surprise decision to ask the leaders to bat. Openers Dan Bowen and Craig Robinson made a steady start against some good opening bowling with the pair adding 39 in the first 10 overs.
With the openers taking a break the pair then took advantage of the change bowlers as they punished some wayward bowling to all parts of the ground before Bowen was first to go bowled by Archie Hudson for a superb 71 which included six boundaries and four sixes. This saw the end of a brilliant partnership of 177 in 24 overs.
Robinson was then joined by Martin Hurst who proved the perfect partner for Robinson who completed his century before being finally dismissed LBW by Ron Williams for an outstanding 107 which saw him blaze 10 boundaries and eight maximums in a powerful display of batting.
Hurst once again showed all his experience as he and Richard James continued the onslaught with James bowled for a quickfire 21. Tommy Kenchington was bowled for five whilst Hurst remained undefeated on 36 with Huw Griffiths 8 not out as Bont ended on 276 for 4 off their 40 overs against a spirited Bartestree side who never gave up.
With Bartestree facing the daunting total, they suffered an early blow with Chris Frith caught by Tommy Kenchington for 0 in Lewis Deacons first over. Deacon and Huw Griffiths once again paired up to great effect with Griffiths (10 overs 2 maidens 1 for 27) getting Callum Bradshaw caught behind by stand in keeper hurst for 17.
Deacon at the other end was continuing to demolish the Bartestree top order as he claimed further wickets courtesy of another hurst catch to dismiss the dangerous Phil Anderson for 15. This was followed by two Lewis Mallon catches and then completing his devastating spell of 10 overs 5 for 33 by clean bowling Jack Thomas for 10 and the visitors struggling at 61 for 5.
With the game now in Bonts hands, captain Bowen turned to Colin Griffiths who picked up 2 for 7 from three overs with catches from Mallon to complete his hat trick of catches and then a boundary catch by son Huw.
Guy williams (3 overs 1 for 4) and Craig Samuel (1 for 1 ) then combined well with Samuel claiming a fine catch and bowl effort to complete the victory for Bont as they claimed the maximum 25 points. Another fine win for Bont who travel to face Luctonians 3rds this saturday.