Lyddon helps Seasiders keep heat on leaders

South Wales Cricket Association division three

PORTHCAWL’S Nick Lyddon gave Swansea Civil Service six of the best to keep his side within touching distance of the top two in division three of the South Wales Cricket Association.

He was the second bowler in Saturday’s match to claim half-a-dozen wickets after Matthew Griffiths had taken 6-48 in Porthcawl’s total of 163-9.

Mark Dixon’s 64 and 45 not out from Chris Richards helped the seasiders to a useful score but one the visiting Civil Service would have felt was gettable.

That wasn’t the case though and 62 runs later they were all out with only Philip Owen (26) giving any resistance. Tom Davies also chipped in with three wickets as Porthcawl stay in third.

Division leaders Hills Plymouth won again, this time at home to Drefach by 62 runs. The Merthyr Tydfil club were kept in check by Rob Seymour’s five-wicket haul and their 132 wasn’t too convincing.

But, they had no problems as Drefach replied with Jeremy Crooker (4-11) and Jason Castaldi (3-9) ripping through the top order to consolidate first place.

Nearest challengers Briton Ferry Town also won comfortably, by seven wickets against Landore who were bowled out for 118 batting first.

All-rounder Yakoob Ali had another good game for Town, collecting four wickets with the ball and scoring 33 with the willow to help see his side home as Neil Bagridge also made 39.

There was at last a win for bottom club Pwll as they overcame Pontyberem by seven wickets with Marcus Leaf hitting an unbeaten 57 as the hosts replied to their opponents’ 123-8.

A knock of 66 from Craig Howells was countered by 4-38 for Carl Bibby while in reply, Pwll crossed the finishing line with several overs to spare having lost three wickets.

In the remaining game, Maesteg tasted success for the second time this season as they responded to Maesteg’s 148 by making 150-5 with Luke O’Connor finishing 40 not out.