Builth Wells 1sts 331-3 beat Brockhampton 3rds 217 all out by 114 runs

Builth put their away day blues behind them as skipper Sam Williams led the way with a scintillating six laden, unbeaten 149 as his side clocked up a third consecutive 300 plus at Garth Road.

With Dylan McPhee (108) recording a second Builth ton in three outings the pair added a 3rd wicket stand of 224. The watching faithful were treated to 23 overs of a batting masterclass with both players demonstrating a full range of shots that left the Brockhampton attack ragged. The pair racked up a total of 16 sixes, 18 fours and even a 5 before McPhee was caught aiming another maximum with only Mark Evans (1-38) escaping any major punishment. Williams and Chris Roff (22 not out) turned the screw further with an unbroken 53 in 5 overs as Builth looked set to continue their unbeaten home run.

In reply Brock needed a good start but regular wicket takers Mike Williams (2-42) and McPhee (2-62) set them back. The middle order pair of Joe Harding (56) and Mark Evans (46) gave the visitors hope of salvaging something from the day but the returning Steve Fuller (2-38) and part time off spinner Winston Williams (2-5) wrapped up the reply with just two overs to spare to lift the Bulls into third place in the Marches League Div 1 table.

Asked whether he’d like to take his home wicket on the road with him, skipper Williams mused “Its a great track to bat on but our bowlers also get wickets so its an all round effort.”

Builth make the long journey to table toppers Goodrich on Saturday hoping to banish memories of a 22 all out just two seasons ago.

Builth 2nds 226-4 losing draw Ledbury 2nds 249-8

Builth’s second string came away from Ledbury with the moral victory despite ultimately coming up 23 runs short as they battled to a hard fought draw.

After asking the home side to have first use of the track Builth looked to make early inroads but a consistent batting display from Phil Caffull (30), Steve Burgess (42) Jason Belcher (39) and Richard Davies (39) and 5 further scores of 13 plus all added up to a challenging 249.

Despite this the Builth bowling line up stuck to their task as Ben Cripps (4-49), Steve Anderson (3-32), aided by some smart catching from Arthur Davies, kept a rein on the attacking Ledbury line up.

Taking a positive attitude to their reply Builth were always in the game as first Steve Anderson (27) and Tom Childs kept the scoreboard ticking. With Paul Rowe (66no), Childs looked to push on but his dismissal for a well crafted 88, left Builth short of an outright win despite Ian Morgan (17). Brandon Cafull (3-37) kept the runs in check as Ledbury sought to protect their boundaries with a nine man boundary ring of steel.

Praising his troops skipper Stuart Cripps said “The only disappointment was that we couldn’t force a win. But positively we are developing week by week and everyone is contributing”

The Bulls will look to continue their improvement as they welcome Goodrich 2nds to Garth Road on Saturday.

BRECON Cricket Club did the double over Malpas in League matches on Saturday with the 1st team winning by 44 runs at home whilst the 2nd team took the honours away at Malpas by seven wickets.

In Brecon in a game sponsored by B Jenkins and Sons the 1st team batting first stumbled to 60-6 before captain magic Sam Williams took control with a magnificent 72 to underline his all round abilities. In partnership with the very much in form Richard Lovering (51) they added an invaluable 116 enabling the innings to conclude on a defendable 182-9.

Malpas in their turn at the crease struggled against the Brecon seam attack and were reduced to 87-7 but then mounted something of a recovery before being bowled out for 138 without ever mounting a serious challenge to the Brecon total.

Captain Sam completed his great day out taking 2-17 when in tandem with Iain Mitchell (2-35) they knock a hole in the Malpas top order.

Tom Jones then put in a top shift taking 2-6 from 7 overs and with Matt Williams (2-12), Greg Webber (1-37), and James Mitchell (1-24) continuing the pressure the demolition job was completed.

This win consolidates the 1st teams third place in Division One.

Away at Malpas the 2nd team too put in an excellent performance in a high scoring encounter on the magnificently manicured Malpas ground where batting first the home team took full advantage of the conditions to posted a formidable 249-3.

Despite sticking to the task to the end in the field the only wicket takers for Brecon were Finn Starkey (2-34) and Gwyn Price (1-33).

Such a total will always take something special to chase down so step forward Steve Kenchington who played the most magnificent innings imaginable with an undefeated 114.

He received good support from Gwyn Price (47) in an opening stand of 104 and despite the loss of a couple of quick wickets Kenchington continued his unfaltering progress.

Rob Hudman then took a liking to the Malpas bowling with a rapid (53no) to form a match winning partnership of 89 with the imperturbable Kenchington to get Brecon over the winning line with two overs remaining.

Next week sees a doubleheader against Croesyceiliog with the 1st team away and the 2nd team at home both with 12.30 starts.

BUILTH Wells Cricket Club is looking to the future as it provides a platform for the areas juniors to develop their skills.

Building on the sessions being run in partnership with Cricket Wales that is supporting Cricket development in local primary schools, the Builth club is offering skill based, fun, hour long session that will run through the summer.

Led by a qualified coach and supported

by coaching assistants, the sessions are aimed at 7-12 year olds with or without experience of the game. Lead coach and Builth player, Paul Rowe comments: “The club is looking to put in place a long term development strategy. The sessions are fun, focusing on core skills, but always active.

“We would encourage parents to come along with their kids and get involved.”

The sessions run on a Monday from 4.30-5.30 at the Builth CC Garth Road base. Further details can be obtained from Paul Rowe on 07513 164113 or by emailing [email protected]