Saints march on with shock win at leaders Carew

JUST as in North Wales, there was a shock defeat for the leaders of the Pembroke County Cricket League, who lost for the first time this season.

Carew’s first division reverse at the hands of St Ishmaels wasn’t as sensational as Llandudno’s was against St Asaph, but it was a surprise nonetheless.

But unlike North Wales, the top two sides lost in Pembroke and the team at the bottom of the table produced a superb batting display to win. More of that in a moment though.

Some inspired bowling from St Ishmaels’s two Andrews, Messrs Pawlett (4-40) and Williams (3-49), saw Carew bowled out for 146 with Robbie Hicks the only batsman to score more than 30.

In reply, the visitors looked at ease at the crease and with 60 from Karl Rhead 60 and 57 not out from Peter Bradshaw, the away side cruised home for the loss of four wickets, much to the chagrin of the hosts.

It was a similar story in Llangwm where second-placed Neyland posted a half-decent 171-7 with Henry Durrant contributing an unbeaten 39. But Llangwm, thanks in the main to Richard Brock’s undefeated 59, showed their mettle to win by four wickets and move up to fourth in the standings.

They were helped by the fact that Haverfordwest’s encounter at Saundersfoot was abandoned while in another shock result, basement boys Cresselly beat Whitland away from home.

Andrew Harries (86) and Ryan Lewis (43) batted with aplomb as Cresselly dominated the bowling to post a total of 222-6. Whitland had no reply and with Lyn Richards claiming 5-24 the hosts were all out for 166.

The one remaining match in the top flight saw Lawrenny hang on to beat Narberth by two wickets after the latter had been dismissed for 119. Simon Cole and Steve Lewis took three wickets apiece.

Cole made 35 as Lawrenny replied and it got pretty hairy for the side batting second and by the time the win was sealed they were eight wickets down.

It was a day of big upsets further down the league too as division two leaders Llanrhian lost for only the second time this season as they went down by 29 runs at Herbrandston. And in division three, there was another defeat for a team at the top as Lamphey were beaten by 21 runs at Pembroke Dock.