Sunday 22 July 2012

Swansea blow title race wide open


Defending Champions Dafen’s seven wicket loss to Swansea has blown the Division One title race wide open with only 20 points separating the top three sides.
Dafen, who had defeated the ex Premier League side earlier in the season, set a total of 172-8 with Nick Davies (44) and Dafydd Nicholas (30) putting on 77 for the second wicket, but some devastating bowling from Josh Tobin, who captured 5-32, halted the leaders' progress.
Swansea, who are desperate to make a swift return to the Premier League, showed their calibre at the crease, chasing the runs down for the loss of just three wickets. Johnny Hubschmid was the star with the willow smashing an unbeaten 60, while Ashley Pass (26), Josh Hughes (31) and Gareth Hayden (25) also contributed useful innings.
In the battle to avoid the drop, Maesteg Celtic crucially gritted their teeth to avoid defeat at title contenders Ynystawe.
The Tawe Valley side batted first and set a target of 232-7, with talismanic captain Andrew Beasley producing the goods with the bat as he smashed his way to an unbeaten 128, while Rowan Evans contributed a solid half century 65. Roger Barnes was the best with the ball for the visitors, picking up 5-37.
Celtic in reply never looked like clinching victory but were also never in danger of losing as they put in a steely performance at the crease. Ian Herbert was their top scorer on 70, while Phil Poole hit an unbeaten 50.
Tata Steel heaped more woe on struggling Pontardawe with a 110 run thumping of the basement boys.
The Steelmen batted first and posted 180-9 with Kelvin Bartle their top scorer knocking a half century 56, and Rhys Owen chipped in with 28.
Pontardawe in reply were dismissed for just 70, with Michael Jones in scintillating form with the ball capturing 6-43, while Matthew Jones picked up 4-9.
Meanwhile, Neath stay fourth after they defeated Gowerton by six wickets at Dyfed Road.
Gowerton made slow progress knocking 117-9 in 50 overs, Callum Eakins (34) and Ian Capon (29 n/o) were the best at the crease, putting 51 on for the 7th wicket. Matthew Davies, Huw Davies and Nathan Aubrey each bagged two wickets apiece.
The hosts in reply chased down the runs required in the 36th over carding 119-4. Keiran Thomas smashed a half century 51, while Gareth Davies knocked a 28.
Llangennech remain in danger of the drop after they suffered a four wicket home defeat at the hands of Clydach.
The hosts were dismissed for 121 with Dean Kriescher the most economical in attack for Clydach colletcing 2-7. In reply, the visitors easily chased down the runs, carding 122-6.

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