Neath continue title assault in Thomas Carroll South Wales Association cricket

Neath hammered struggling Maesteg Celtic by 115 runs to continue their dominant start to the season in SWCA Division One.

In a fixture affected by the inclement weather, the league leaders were put into bat and reached 255-5 with Adrian Shaw amassing 99 and Keiron Thomas hitting 96 before being run out. Lee Hicks was the best bowler with figures of 2-50.

Celtic were dismissed for 140 in the 40th over despite Tom Morgan knocking 60 off just 64 balls. Kieron Bull took 5-46 off 15 overs and Matthew Pearce 3-27.

Carmarthen Wanderers continued their impressive return to the top flight to keep the heat on Neath with a more than comfortable six-wicket beating of basement club Llangennech.

The weather struck there too, with the match reduced to 37 overs. Llangennech reached 130-9 in their allotted overs with Gethin Long’s 38 and Atif Hameed’s 37 the best totals. Andrew Edwards bowled well for 3-18 off eight overs, with Owain Binding taking 3-21.

The Wanderers reached their total for the loss of just four wickets to collect 25 points. A 50-run stand for the first wicket by Daniel Jones (34) and Giles Thomas (23) set them on their way before Owain Davies added 23 and Gareth Grant an unbeaten 23 to see them win for the sixth time in eight matches.

Ynystawe overtook Tata Steel when they overcame them by two wickets. Batting first, Tata were bowled out for a mediocre 108 with Owen Davies reaching 31 and Nathan Ferrell adding 16. Andrew Beasley took 5-25 in 10.3 overs.

The Swansea Valley side lost eight wickets on their way to victory, Tom Blake scoring 23 and Rowan Evans 18.

Elsewhere, Gowerton soared to their second win of the season when they overcame Cowbridge by 95 runs.

Electing to bat, they scored 200-5 in their 50 overs with Paul Rees hitting a brilliant 101 and Rhys Thomas knocking a solid 27. Only Tom Merilaht did any real damage with the ball for the Vale of Glamorgan side as he took 2-49.

Cowbridge were never close to their target, dismissed for just 105 in the 40th over. Sam Wood top-scored with 31 for them, as hot Gowerton prospect Will Jenkins, just 15, did most of the damage by taking 6-23 in 10 overs, two of which were maidens.

Clydach secured a winning draw with Dafen in a match between two teams in the lower half of the table.

The second division saw the Aberdare-Llandysul fixture abandoned with the visitors on 102-4 after it had been reduced to 30 overs each, while Pontardawe-Gorseinon never got going.

The three fixtures that did play were draws, with Skewen (193-9) extending their lead over Aberdare at the top with a winning draw at lowly Swansea Civil Service (97-6).

Division Three also saw two games fall foul of the conditions. Yet the weather was unable to halt Porthcawl, as the early season pacesetters made it seven wins from eight with a three-wicket victory at Margam.

The hosts were put in to bat and made a respectable 148-9 off their 50 overs, with Luke O’Connor’s 46 a big contribution and Elwyn Pugh and John Wellington both contributing 24. Nick Lyddon took 2-32 for the league leaders, with Tom Davies collecting 3-33.

It took Porthcawl until the 49th over to surpass Margam’s total with 149-7, as Lyddon matched O’Connor with a 46 of his own and Steve Doherty added 34. Margam’s Pugh had done his best to dent the batting order, taking 4-59, but it was not enough.

Three of the four Division Four fixtures were played, including leaders Pwll hammering Felinfoel by eight wickets.

Tom Jones knocked 59 as visitors Felinfoel were put in and reached 143-9, with Rhodri Lewis taking 3-31 and Craig Howells 2-24 off seven overs.

Pwll hit their target with the loss of just two wickets. Howells again starred with a 67, including 11 fours, with Dean Thomas adding 38.

The Llantwit Major Cavaliers climbed above Baglan in to second to keep up the heat on Pwll with a four wicket victory over their victims.

They elected to bowl after winning the toss and it proved the correct decision as Baglan were skittled for 95. Their bowling attack was in imperious form. James Snelson took 4-36 in eight overs, with Adrian Ashton taking 2-19 in 11 and Gareth Hughes 2-3 from five. Ben Jenkins finished Baglan off by felling 2-17 in his eight overs.

In reply they passed the total in the 34th over, with little of note in the batting figures other than a 15 for Sam Pickford.

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Neath, Ynystawe and Carmarthen primed as title contenders in South Wales Cricket Association

Neath, Ynystawe and Carmarthen Wanderers have emerged as potential title challengers in Division One after all three picked up victories yesterday.

Neath took the spoils in a thrilling top of the table clash with Tata Steel, emerging as victors by two wickets in a result that sees Tata drop to fifth in the table.

The Steelmen elected to bat but were all out for just 108 in the 41st over, with Neath pair Nathan Aubrey (3-10) and Keiran Bull (3-22) tearing their batting order apart. Owen Davies’ 23 was the only score of real note for Tata.

In reply, the Gnoll outfit made steady progress. Adrian Shaw knocked 34 and the on-form Bull returned to hit 22 to see the leaders home to a fifth win of the season, as they posted 109-8. Steel bowlers Michael and David Jones did their best to disrupt Neath’s order, with the former claiming 2-34 and the latter 3-45, but it wasn’t enough to stop them surpassing their target.

Carmarthen Wanderers continue to more than hold their own on their return to the top flight as they notched up a five-wicket triumph at Dafen.

The hosts posted a decent total of 183-5 in their allotted overs, with Nicky Davies smashing an unbeaten 96. However, the Wanderers chased down the runs in the 43rd over with Gareth Grant smashing an unbeaten 93 in an innings that included 11 fours and three sixes. Opener Daniel Jones also cruised past his half century to reach 59.

Meanwhile, Ynystawe eased to a 104-run victory at Llangennech. They took to the crease first and made 180-5 off 50 overs, Gareth Bishop hitting an unbeaten 68 including seven fours and one six. Simon Clement took three of those five wickets for Llangennech for the concession of 35 runs.

Llangennech’s batting order never really got going in their reply. They were skittled out for 76, with Stuart Davies knocking 27 off just 11 balls for the ninth wicket to add some respectability to the total.

Paul Discombe was tormentor in chief, taking five Llangennech wickets for just 28 runs, while Ben Northy claimed another four for 47 to rubber stamp Ynystawe’s authority over the batsmen.

In Division Two, Skewen maintained their unbeaten record with a four-wicket victory at Llanelli. The hosts batted first and were all out for 123, before the leaders chased down 124 for the loss of six wickets.

Fellow title contenders Briton Ferry Steel returned to winning ways as they thrashed Gorseinon by 123 runs and are now just two points adrift of Skewen.

They batted first and set a target of 283-4 as Steven Devonald whacked 96 with the willow, Gavin Pugh contributing another 80 and Paul Evans adding 75.

The Swansea side could only make 160 in their innings as Devonald was once again the star by claiming four wickets. Evans also returned to haunt Gorseinon with a three-wicket haul.

Bronwydd also posted an impressive victory as they won by four wickets at Morriston.

The hosts won the toss and elected to take to the crease. Mark Whittaker made a stand of 82, including 15 fours, while Steve Maddock came close to his half century with an unbeaten 47 as the Swansea-based side reached 236-5. Meirion Davies bowled well for Bronwydd and took two wickets for 26 runs.

The visitors chased their target down in the 50^th over to make 239-6. Opener Byron Jones stood guard throughout and smashed 116 off 144 balls, including one six and nine fours. Lee Rees did his best to halt them, taking 3-27.

In a top versus bottom clash in Division Three, leaders Porthcawl defeated Dyffryn to continue their blistering start to the campaign.

Dyffryn lost the toss and were put in, reaching 141. Ian Jones (44) and John Day (29) did their best to keep the run count ticking over, but Tristan Sonnekus and Tom Davies continually pummelled the batsmen and picked up four wickets apiece.

The Seasiders then easily reached their total in the 24th over for the loss of just two wickets. Mark Dixon knocked 49, with Rob Jones hitting 28 and opener Steve Richmond finishing unbeaten on 34.

Division 4 leaders Pwll decimated Neath II’s batting order in a seven-wicket win. Neath were up first but were decimated for just 90, with Pwll sailing past that total for the loss of just three wickets.

Llandeilo were also impressive as they saw off Felinfoel by seven wickets. Hosts Felinfoel won the toss and elected to bat, with Gareth Smith reaching 48 before falling LBW. They totalled 176-9, with Chris Jenkins accounting for seven of their wickets for 50 runs.

Llandeilo reached their target in the 40^th over thanks in large to a brilliant and unbeaten 104 off just 125 balls from David Gascoyne. Their 177 was at the expense of just three wickets, Dafydd Jones also knocking an impressive 40 on the way to victory.

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South Wales Cricket Association and Pembroke County Cricket League Saturday round-up

Leaders Neath maintained their winning start to the campaign with a nine wicket victory at Cowbridge in the South Wales Cricket Association Division One.

The Vale of Glamorgan side elected to bat first but were all out for 124; Jack Harris making a notable 45. Neath’s bowling attack was in commanding form with Kieron Bull taking five wickets for just 30 runs.

Neath reached 125 from 42 overs with the loss of just one wicket. Kieron Thomas reached 57 not out, while Gareth Davies also evaded Cowbridge’s bowling attack to contribute 42.

Ynystawe left it late but picked up a morale-boosting victory over Dafen by surpassing their total in the final over.

Having been put in to bat, the Carmarthenshire side were all out for 147 in 49.4 overs, with Dafydd Nicholas and Jamie Mansell both notching 26. Karl Roberts and Andrew Beasley bowled well for the visitors, taking 3-40 and 3-37 respectively.

Roberts then starred with the bat and helped his side with an unbeaten 47. Rowan Evans pitched in with a competent 35 to push them to 151-9 off 49.5 overs. Andrew Rowlands was Dafen’s top bowler, chipping in to take two wickets for 26.

Elsewhere, Clydach overcame Maesteg Celtic by two wickets, with Tata Steel holding off Llangennech to win their battle by 47 runs, and Carmarthen Wanderers earning a winning draw against Gowerton.

In Division Two, Llandysul kept up their good start with a six wicket victory at Llanelli. Batting first, the hosts reached 228-6 with Adam Coates making 60 and Sam Weeds smashing 54 off just 24 balls.

The visitors reached their total of 230 with the loss of just four wickets in the last over, with Ben Edkins’ 83 not out their biggest contribution.

Swansea Civil Service and Aberdare fought out an entertaining draw. The Cynon Valley side batted first and reached 222-7, with captain and former Glamorgan coach John Derrick knocking 86, Luke Garthwaite reaching 34 and Steve Manning contributing 31.

Keith Prydderch led the Civil Service bowling attack by taking 2 wickets for 27 runs, with John Wright returning figures of 2-37.

In reply, they reached 154-6, with Nick Davies top scoring with 37 and Scott Thomas reaching 29 not out. Aberdare’s Sam Lincoln was lethal with the ball in hand to take three wickets for just 12 runs.

Elsewhere, leaders Briton Ferry Steel kept up their unbeaten start with an eight wicket win at Pontardawe, while Gorseinon won at Morriston by 20 runs and Skewen also posted an eight wicket victory over Bronwydd.

In Division Three, Porthcawl went to the top of the table with a convincing 74-run success at Drefach. Steve Richmond hit 59 for the Seasiders as they reached 178-8. Drefach were then skittled out for 104, with Tristan Sonnekus taking three wickets for just 14 runs.

Porthcawl replaced Maesteg at the summit after the Llynfi Valley outfit went down by five wickets at home to Landore.

With Division Four leaders Pwll being held to a draw by Llandeilo, Baglan cut the gap from 24 points to just two by overwhelming Kidwelly by nine wickets. Adam Wassell posted impressive bowling figures of 5-36.

In Pembrokeshire, Neyland closed the gap on County Cricket Division 1 leaders Haverfordwest with an impressive nine wicket victory at Whitland.

The hosts were skittled out for 96, with Nathan Banner taking half their wickets for just 19 runs. The visitors surpassed that with the loss of just one wicket; Paul Murray knocking 42 not out, with Ashley Sutton hitting an unbeaten 35.

Haverfordwest are now just six points clear after being held to a draw by Carew. Danny Potter was their most successful batsman with a haul of 57, while Adam James contributed 35. Carew’s Robert Scourfield took two of their wickets cheaply for just a single run.

When they took to the crease, Carew’s Rhys Davies hit 29 not out with the bat, with Tom Davies adding a useful 32. Clive Tucker did what he could to damage Carew’s innings with three wickets for just 16 runs.

Elsewhere, third-placed Narberth were held to a draw by bottom side Llanrhian despite posting an impressive 235-3 in their innings. Richie Adams repelled the Llanrhian attack with an unbeaten 109, with Gareth Davies claiming two of the three wickets for 32 runs. Ben Jones hit 82 of Llanrhian’s total.

Cresselly moved clear of Llanrhian with a draw at Llangwm, while St Ishmaels handed out a five wicket beating to Lawrenny.

In Division Two, Pembroke kept up the chase on leaders Saundersfoot with an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Lamphey. Ceri Brace took three Lamphey wickets for just 17 runs as they were all out for 65, then he took up the bat to hit 40 not out, with Paul White adding an unbeaten 26 to win it.

Saundersfoot did their bit, beating Johnston by five wickets, with Phil Jones’ 31 their biggest contribution. Johnston had been bowled out for 127 batting first, with Simon Wood taking three of the wickets for just 17 runs.

Hook defeated Pembroke Dock by 113 runs to remain 35 points clear at the top of Division Three, Jamie Phelps falling just short of his century with 95.

Second-placed Narberth II triumphed by 145 runs at Saundersfoot II having bowled out their hosts for 120. Sean Coker was their main threat, taking half the wickets for just 38 runs. Joel Davies had previously hit an impressive 68 as they finished their innings on 265-5.

Neyland II climbed above Haverfordwest III to the top of Division Four thanks to a five wicket triumph over the deposed leaders.

Alex Codd hit the Haverfordwest bowlers for 76, while Scott Jones added 60 runs to the scoreboard. Jon Tooze was Haverfordwest’s top batsman with 68.

Having started in third, Neyland II also climbed above Burton who lost at home to bottom club Fishguard by six wickets and now find themselves fifth below Kilgetty and Hook II.

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Swansea clinch league title with cup final to come

SWANSEA’S players could be forgiven for taking their eye off the ball at around 3.30pm yesterday.

They hadn’t long got their match against Clydach under way at St Helen’s when the news came through that the South Wales Cricket Association division one crown was theirs.

They saw out the game, which Clydach won by 68 runs, before celebrating the first part of a potential league and cup double.

Either Llandudno or Mochdre await in the final of the Welsh Cup next Sunday when the Swansea players attempt to retain the trophy they won last year.

For now, all of the talk at the club will be about their return to the Swalec Premier League after last season’s relegation.

Had the rain not affected Tata Steel’s game away at Maesteg Celtic, there might have been an interesting climax to the league season although it would have taken a big swing in points for the Steelmen to catch Swansea.

For the record, Clydach made 233-7 in a game reduced to 41 overs with Jason Davies scoring 55 and Nicky Fisher ending the innings unbeaten on 50 having put on 84 for the sixth wicket with James Garland.

Although Ashley Pass smashed 70 for the hosts, 4-52 from Dean Kriescher and Steven Reeve’s 3-37 helped dismiss Swansea for 165 though they could be excused for having their minds elsewhere.

The only other game in the top flight to beat the weather saw Neath thrash Pontardawe by nine wickets to overtake Tata Steel and end the season as runners-up.

Relegated Pontardawe could only muster 79-8 with Neath, thanks to an unbeaten 40 from Callum Walters, getting the runs needed with ease.

As for the ups and downs in divisions two, three and four, they won’t be set in stone, according to the league, until the Glamorgan & Monmouthshire League has finished in two weeks’ time.

That’s because there are issues surrounding promotion to and relegation from the Swalec Premier League and what impact that will have on the Thomas Carroll South Wales Cricket Association.

That said, one matter that was decided yesterday was the destination of the division four title and it was the weather again that had the last laugh. Cimla weren’t complaining as they kept their slender lead over Dyffryn to clinch the trophy after both clubs’ fixtures were rained off.

Baglan finished third and skipper Lee Williams rounded off his campaign in fine style with 103 not out in a nine-wicket hammering of Felinfoel. Neath thirds also beat Llantwit Major Cavaliers by 44 runs.

Briton Ferry Steel could have saved themselves from the drop in division two after they beat Aberdare and Morriston lost to Llandysul. The game between champions Carmarthen and runners-up Cowbridge was washed out.

Bronwydd and Llanelli picked up winning draws against Gorseinon and Skewen respectively with Ryan Nicholas notching an unbeaten 101 for Llanelli. His knock included 10 fours and two sixes.

Daryl Phillips took 5-32 as division three champs Briton Ferry Town saw off Drefach by 36 runs and there were also wins for Maesteg and Margam.

Maesteg have had a poor campaign by their standards but did end on a high with a seven-wicket success at Landore while Margam brought Pwll’s miserable few months to an equally miserable close.

There had been a glimmer of hope for Pwll after Margam could only muster 120-9 in 45 overs, but even that was too much of an ask for the visitors and they were all out for 92 with Ian Jepson taking 4-12 and Luke O’Connor 3-17.

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Swansea bidding to seal league title in season finale

South Wales Cricket Association final weekend preview

IT’S do or die for Swansea tomorrow as the division one title is decided on the last day of the South Wales Cricket Association season.

The St Helen’s club hold all the aces going into their home clash against Clydach, knowing that even if they were to lose the championship could still be theirs.

That’s because second-placed Tata Steel have to win at Maesteg Celtic and hope for a major Swansea slip-up to sneak up on the rails capture the crown from under the noses of the current leaders.

There is also a very, very slim chance that Neath could come into the reckoning but they would have to thrash Pontardawe and the top two would have to lose, Swansea without picking up hardly any bonus points.

Neath could well dish out a hammering to relegated Pontardawe, especially on home turf, but, barring a big case of the jitters, Swansea should beat Clydach and secure a return to the Swalec Premier League for next season.

Dafen, long-time leaders until very recently, only have pride left to play for when they host Gowerton. The match could have easily been a title decider for Dafen only for their form to desert them badly over the last month.

In the other game tomorrow, mid-table Ynystawe entertain Llangennech, who along with Pontardawe will be playing in division two in 2013.

The ups and downs have been decided in the second division with Carmarthen Wanderers crowned champions last weekend and Cowbridge also promoted. There will be some big celebrations in the Vale of Glamorgan as the two go head-to-head to round-off a successful campaign for both clubs.

On the other hand, Morriston and Briton Ferry Steel haven’t got much to celebrate but they will look to end disappointing seasons on a positive note with matches at Llandysul and Aberdare respectively.

Elsewhere, Skewen host Llanelli and Bronwydd welcome Gorseinon with a lot of movement in the table expected by the close of play as 32 points separate third to eighth place.

While Briton Ferry Steel are moving down, local rivals Briton Ferry Town are going in the opposite direction having clinched the division three title. They are more than likely to be joined by Swansea Civil Service, who mathematically can still be caught by Porthcawl.

Town take on Drefach, Civil Service go to Pontyberem and Porthcawl visit Hills Plymouth. Pwll, who are already down, visit Margam and Maesteg need a couple of points against Landore to condemn them to the drop.

The honour of becoming division four champions is a straight two-way shoot-out between leaders Cimla and Dyffryn with just two points the difference going into the final weekend.

Cimla have the easier task of the two with a home game against one-from-bottom Llandarcy while Dyffryn entertain Ystradgynlais. There’s a slim possibility Baglan, away to Felinfoel, could pip Dyffryn for second place but it’s highly unlikely.

Meanwhile, Llantwit Major Cavaliers face Neath thirds and Llandeilo visit bottom side Kidwelly Town.

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Winning Wanderers toast division two crown

South Wales Cricket Association division two, three and four review

IT was always on the cards but Carmarthen Wanderers finally cemented their position as the best team in division two by clinching the title against Skewen yesterday.

And it couldn’t have been an easier day at the office for the West Walians with their opponents capitulating to 34 all out as Wanderers’ captain Leighton Walters took 6-16.

Daniel James and Owain Davies were together at the crease when the winning runs were hit, leaving Wanderers victors by nine wickets with one game of the season left.

Cowbridge will join the champions in division one next year after their game against Aberdare was cancelled and Llandysul couldn’t manage an outright win at Gorseinon.

There were also draws in the games between Llanelli and Bronwydd and the two relegated clubs, Morriston and Briton Ferry Steel.

The other Briton Ferry outfit, Briton Ferry Town, are moving in the opposite direction having beaten Pontyberem by six wickets to finish top of the table.

Yakoob Ali and Shakell Amin took six of the Pontyberem wickets between them as the visitors made 152-9 in their 50 overs. Opener Craig Howells hit nine boundaries in his 48 but after him there wasn’t much resistance from the rest of the batsmen.

Ali then showed what he could do with the bat, compiling 56 off 54 balls and Town got the runs needed with nearly 15 overs remaining.

Second place will go to Swansea Civil Service after relegated Pwll conceded their match and third-placed Porthcawl were beaten at home by Margam.

The seasiders saw their opponents make 160-8 with skipper Elwyn Pugh making an unbeaten 45 and Darren Jeffries 33. Nick Lyddon kept the scoring in check with 5-59.

But the Porthcawl reply never got going and with Rhodri Reynolds (5-35) and Michael Bond (3-34) in fine fettle, Margam were comfortable winners by 68 runs. The fixtures at Maesteg and Drefach were called off.

There’ll be some fingernails bitten in division four next weekend as two points separate leaders Cimla and Dyffryn in second going into the season finale.

Dyffryn could have been in the box seat had they not lost to Felinfoel by nine runs. Felinfoel made 158 and seemed set for a quickfire win when Dyffryn were reduced to 116-8. But Clive Harding’s 6-22 ensured Felinfoel did get the victory after the tail had wagged.

The weather hit Cimla’s game at Kidwelly while Baglan beat Llandarcy by seven wickets and Neath thirds overcame Ystradgynlais. The remaining matches were also rained off.

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Civil Service on course for back to back promotions

Swansea Civil Service moved into a promotion place in Division Three thanks to a winning draw over Porthcawl.

The Swansea side batted first, setting a target of 204-7d with Steve Porter starring with the willow smacking a high class unbeaten 73, while James Slack chipped in with a useful 27. Tom Davies was the best with the ball for the visitors taking 3-65, while Steven Doherty picked up 2-46.

The Seasiders, who started the day in second place, struggled to gain any momentum in reply and had to settle for a losing draw posting 168-8 when the overs ran out. Robert Jones' half century was the highlight of their innings, while Josh Lyddon contributed a solid 27.

Margam moved out of the drop zone after seeing off visiting Maesteg by two wickets with only eight balls to spare.

The Llynfi Valley side posted 195-6 with Chris Parry smashing a superb unbeaten 88 that included four 4’s and four 6’s.

Whatever Parry produced, however, Luke O’Connor bettered with the Margam opener hitting a high-pressured, undefeated century (105). John Wellington also striking a respectable 29 not out saw the Port Talbot outfit finish on 199-8. Martin Hood claimed 5-32 including a hat-trick, but it was not enough for Maesteg to avoid defeat.

Meanwhile, Briton Ferry Town tightened their stranglehold at the summit as they heaped more woe on strugglers Landore with a 42 run victory.

Elsewhere, Rob Seymour inspired Drefach to victory over Hills Plymouth, the all rounder claiming a six wicket haul and also top scored with 39 as his side ran out four wicket victors.

Finally, Pwll’s revival came to an abrupt halt as they suffered an eight wicket loss at Pontyberem.

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Wanderers set for promotion with title now on agenda

BARRING an extraordinary set of results, Carmarthen Wanderers have sealed promotion to division one of the South Wales Cricket Association.

It’s still mathematically possible for them to be caught but you’d need a collapse of epic proportions and third-placed Bronwydd to take maximum points from their remaining three fixtures to see Carmarthen miss out.

The two clubs saw their games yesterday curtailed because of the wet weather with Bronwydd’s opponents Cowbridge the others in the hunt for promotion.

An opening stand of 136 between Daniel Jones (75) and Giles Thomas (61) put the Wanderers on the way to 227-5 but he rain came with Llandysul on 81-3.

Cowbridge captain Thomas Merilaht scored 57 of his team’s 140-8 but only 10 overs were possible in Bronwydd’s reply.

Elsewhere, Josh Simmons blasted 96 for Gorseinon as they made a superb 264-7 against Morriston, but the visitors’ stubborn resistance paid off and they clung on for a draw at 109-9.

There were wins for Llanelli, by 131 against relegated Briton Ferry Steel, and Skewen, by three wickets, at home to Aberdare.

The race for promotion from division three looks to be going to the wire with Porthcawl and Swansea Civil Service, who picked up a winning draw and a 55-run victory respectively, just three points apart.

Leaders Briton Ferry Town had to settle for a losing draw against Hills Plymouth while at the bottom Landore secured a crucial success at home to Pontyberem.

Cimla and Dyffryn are on course to go up in division four but neither picked up outright wins on Saturday. Baglan claimed a winning draw against Dyffryn and Cimla’s match at Llantwit Major Cavaliers was abandoned.

There were home wins, however, for Ystradgynlais and Llandeilo against Kidwelly and Felinfoel respectively.

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Briton Ferry tighten their stranglehold at the top

Briton Ferry Town tightened their stranglehold on the Division Three title with a routine five wicket victory at Margam

The hosts batted first but were restricted to 125 with Afaq Shah (5-44) and Yakoob Ali (3-26) starring for the leaders. Luke O’Connor’s 31 was the only high point of the innings for Margam.

Town in reply convincingly reached their target with Ali once again the star, top scoring on 34, while Shakeel Amin knocked a solid 26 and Adrian Mainwaring struck 23.

Meanwhile, second placed Porthcawl picked up an invaluable hard-fought, three wicket win at Pontyberem.

The hosts posted 191-6 in their allotted overs, with Craig Howells top scoring with 59, while Emyr Harris chipped in with 27.

The Seasiders in reply chased down the runs with just two balls to spare carding 194-7, with Steve Doherty taking the acclaim as he finished undefeated on 64, while Brett Davies fell just short of his half century, and Josh Lyddon chipped in with 28.

Hills Plymouth remain hot on Porthcawl’s heels as the race for promotion heats up, but the Merthyr outfit had to make do with a no differential draw against Landore due to a rain interrupted match.

The Methyr side batted first and set a total of 255-6, with Matthew Davies striking 55 not out, while Aled Walters knocked 56 and Chris Shopland contributed 41. Landore were 170-2 in the 40^th over when the rain came, forcing the match to be abandoned.

At the other end of the table, Pwll look more and more likely of pulling off an Houdini-esque escape from relegation after bagging their second straight victory with a seven wicket win over Maesteg. Pwll, who have propped up the table all season, now sit third from bottom with a three point advantage over their relegation rivals.

In the day's other fixture, Swansea Civil Service’s hopes of back to back promotions looks to have faded as they were beaten by Drefach.

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Swansea Civil Service make lightwork of leaders

In the battle at the sharp end, Swansea Civil Service came out on top seeing off Division Three leaders Briton Ferry Town by four wickets.

The pacemakers batted first but could only set a target of 86 after encountering some fierce bowling from Ben Novis, 3-5, and Matthew Griffiths, 3-34. Chris Curtis’ knock of 23 was the only notable contribution.

Swansea Civil Service chased down the runs for the loss of six wickets carding 87-6, with Griffiths top scoring with an unbeaten 22, while Chris Heys chipped in with 19.

Title contenders Porthcawl failed to capitalise on Briton Ferry Town’s slip up at the top of Division Three when the Seasiders lost out to Maesteg by 37 runs.

The Llynfi Valley side batted first and set a total of 224-6, with Ryan Parley the star man at the crease blasting his way to 75, while Andrew King, 39, and Steffan Roberts, 33, also contributed useful totals.

The Seasiders in reply fell short of their target on 187, with the Maesteg attack sharing the workload and the wickets as Michael Bailey, Gareth Bailey and Roberts all clinched two wickets apiece. Josh Lydon’s 66 was the pick of the Seasiders' innings.

Menahwile, former pacemakers Hills Plymouth’s title challenge looks all but over as they suffered a 65 run loss to Pontyberem, with all rounder Daniel Griffiths starring for the West Walians as he captured 4-13 and also contributed 43 with the bat.

Eslsewhere, there were wins for the two sides propping up the table, with Landore defeating Margam by a mammouth 138 runs and Pwll saw off Drefach by 12 runs.

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Big two all set to do battle in match of the day

Thomas Carroll South Wales Cricket Association weekend preview

THE biggest match of the season so far takes place tomorrow with the first division’s top two sides clashing in Carmarthenshire.

Dafen Welfare lead Swansea by 27 points but the visitors will be aware that a good win for them can cut that advantage in their bid to wrest the league title away from their hosts.

Luck was on Dafen’s side last weekend as their win over Llangennech was the only match to go the distance in division one and not be disrupted by the bad weather.

It was more than two months ago when Dafen won the reverse fixture at St Helen’s by 25 runs to lay down a marker against the side that were playing in the Swalec Premier League last year.

Steve Devonald was in the runs and the wickets on that occasion as Dafen made a modest 141-8 in 42 overs before bowling out Swansea for 116.

That maintained Dafen’s unbeaten start to the season, something they still boast with a third of the campaign left.

Ynystawe, third in the table five points behind Swansea, host Maesteg Celtic tomorrow knowing victory could see them move up to second.

Neath entertain Gowerton with both sides pretty much going through the motions as the season begins to wind down. Only a late charge would see Neath climb above Ynystawe and Swansea.

It’s looking bleak for Pontardawe and Llangennech at the bottom and it will take some turnaround in form for either to escape the drop to division two.

Both have home matches, Pontardawe taking on Tata Steel and Llangennech hosting Clydach, two more clubs with just pride to play for now.

Cowbridge are still in touch with second division leaders Carmarthen but they’ll probably have to wait another week before any chance of closing the gap.

That’s because the top two play the bottom two at home, Carmarthen facing Morriston and Cowbridge going up against Briton Ferry Steel. The latter appear to be going down already while there is still hope for Morriston.

They lie 21 points adrift of Llanelli, who host Gorseinon, one of five sides in a huge scrap for third place. Only 10 points separate Llandysul in third and Aberdare in seventh.

Aberdare go to Bronwydd and Llandysul visit Skewen in the other two encounters in the second division.

A side that can ease clear of the relegation zone in division three tomorrow is Margam. They make the trip to Landore, the team immediately below them in the table, who won’t want the gap to Margam to increase any further.

Leaders Briton Ferry Town play Swansea Civil Service while the battle for second place is an intriguing one with Hills Plymouth and Porthcawl locked on the same number of points.

The seasiders have a short journey to Maesteg, Hills Plymouth host Pontyberem, and beleaguered Pwll go to Drefach.

In division four, Kidwelly Town have their best chance of picking up a first victory of the season in 13 attempts as they welcome Llandarcy, one place above them, to Morfa Maen.

Cimla and Dyffryn should stay first and second with wins at Ystradgynlais and Neath 3rds. Elsewhere, Baglan in third play Landeilo and Llantwit Major Cavaliers take on Felinfoel.

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Dafen ease to win ahead of big Swansea clash

NEXT Saturday will see Dafen and Swansea, the top two sides in division one of the South Wales Cricket Association, go head-to-head in what could be a season-defining match for both sides.

And although they won’t be thinking about losing, Dafen, the current leaders and reigning champions, know they will still be guaranteed first place whatever happens in Carmarthenshire six days from now.

That’s because the weather actually did them a huge favour yesterday as it hit every first division game apart from theirs and they were picking up another win, this time at home to Llangennech by five wickets.

They dismissed bottom-but-one Llangennech for 105 with Stuart Goddard’s 46 the only real highlight in the face of some deft bowling from Matthew Evans (3-15), Phil George (2-28) and Andrew Rowlands (2-31).

The Dafen batsmen knocked off the runs required without too many problems with Chris Keen, Nicky Davies and Evans seeing them home.

One of the unluckiest teams of the weekend was second-placed Swansea, who despite the inclement weather looked to be heading for a routine victory at Maesteg Celtic.

The hosts had little in reply to Swansea’s devastating attack of Johnny Hubschmid (3-30), Gareth Hayden (3-1) and Jack Brogan, who took two wickets without conceding a run as Celtic were skittled out for 58.

Even though Lee Hicks snapped up two quick Swansea wickets, the visitors appeared to be cruising home when on 27-3 in the 10th over the heavens opened and no further play was possible.

The three remaining fixtures in division one were abandoned during the first innings with only Tata Steel, 146-7 after 40 overs against Neath, having amassed some sort of score. Clydach and Gowerton, home to Pontardawe and Ynystawe respectively, were 38-0 and 40-1 when the rain came.

It was a similar tale in division two where all bar one game was completed, although that was at Llandysul where the hosts leapt into third place with a 79-run victory over rivals Bronwydd.

Opener Mark Wilson blasted 87 and Gary Williams cracked 62 as Llandysul reached 191-5. Bronwydd struggled in reply and could have suffered an even bigger margin of defeat had 33 not been put on for the last wicket.

There was a five-wicket haul for Rhodri Jones and two each for Adrian Davies and Dean Jones as Bronwydd were bowled out for 112.

Carmarthen Wanderers and Cowbridge remain first and second in the table following the abandonment of their encounters at Gorseinon and Morriston respectively. The Wanderers had reduced their opponents to 63-4 when play was stopped while not one ball was bowled at Morriston.

It is incredibly tight below the top two clubs with Aberdare, third just a few weeks ago, now down in seventh. Geoff Derrick had taken 2-15 for them at home to Llanelli when that clash was rained off and Briton Ferry Steel wee 82-3 against Skewen at the close.

Top beat bottom by eight wickets in division three as Briton Ferry Town overpowered Pwll. Craig Jewell took 4-33 as Pwll were all out for 79, leaving Yakoob Ali to hit 36 in the Town successful reply.

Porthcawl enjoyed a seven-wicket triumph at Drefach as the hosts were dismissed for just 83 with Tom Davies (5-29) in fine form with the ball. Steve Doherty top scored with 28 as the seasiders won with ease.

Elsewhere, Pontyberem opener Craig Howells hit a superb 90 as his side totalled 213-4 at The Park against Maesteg. The visitors were 149-7 at the close, giving Pontyberem a winning draw.

Margam were dealt a cruel blow in their home clash with second-placed Hills Plymouth. After Anish Patel had ripped through the Hills batting line-up, taking 7-40 to help dismiss the Merthyr outfit for 59, Maesteg were just 18 runs from victory with five wickets down when the umpires had to abandon proceedings.

The only fixture in division four to beat the weather came at Felinfoel where the hosts were all out for 174 batting first against Ystradgynlais – Alex Malgat and Darren Hodge, both 16, accounted for seven of the Felinfoel batsmen.

The home side were assured of a winning draw with Ystradgynlais making a pedestrian 91-4 in their allocation. Cimla continue to lead Dyffryn at the top of the table.

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Another big weekend for South Wales's top clubs

THE top three clubs in the first division of the South Wales Cricket Association will all be favourites going into their matches tomorrow, but again the weather could have a big say on the weekend’s games.

Leaders Dafen were held to a draw by Maesteg Celtic last Saturday as the rain badly affected their fixture and a host of others throughout the league.

They have home advantage tomorrow when bottom side Pontardawe are the visitors with Dafen looking for nothing less than victory and a full house of batting and bowling bonus points.

Ynystawe and Swansea both recorded comfortable wins last time out but they are on the road on Saturday with trips to Clydach and Tata Steel respectively.

Neath should also be aiming for a full complement of points when they go west to Llangennech while Gowerton entertain Maesteg Celtic.

It’s first versus fourth in division two as Carmarthen Wanderers, whose last match was also hit by rain, go to Aberdare, who saw Gorseinon leapfrog them following their draw at Cowbridge.

If Aberdare aren’t careful they could be overtaken by Llandysul. They are away at rock bottom Briton Ferry Steel while Gorseinon hosts Skewen, winners by 82 runs against Morriston last Saturday. Second-placed Cowbridge visit Llanelli and the aforementioned Morriston welcome Bronwydd.

The bottom two teams in division three have tough assignments tomorrow with Pwll taking on Hills Plymouth, leaders until their game against Swansea Civil Service was abandoned and Briton Ferry Town thrashed Porthcawl.

Struggling Landore will be hoping Porthcawl are still suffering a hangover from that nine-wicket thrashing. Maesteg could move into fifth if they play well against Briton Ferry Town and Drefach slip-up at Pontyberem. In the remaining match, Margam travel to Swansea Civil Service.

With the likes of Chris Cousens in excellent form with the bat, Llantwit Major Cavaliers will fancy their chances at Dyffryn in division four. Dyffryn, in second, will be eager for Llandeilo to do them a favour at leaders Cimla.

Kidwelly Town won’t have many better opportunities to record their first win of the season when they go to Neath 3rds while last-but-one Llandarcy won’t be expected to get too much out of their clash with Felinfoel. Elsewhere, Baglan host Ystradgynlais.

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Morriston suffer drubbing at the hands of Skewen

MORRISTON will be extremely glad to put the month of June behind them having ended it with one of the worst batting performances in the South Wales Cricket Association this season.

If being in the division two relegation zone wasn’t bad enough, getting bowled out for 36 by a side only two places higher in the table certainly gives them food for thought.

As is often the case in these situations, ‘extras’ was one of the top run scorers, in Morriston’s case second highest with seven, just one less than Daniel Sutton’s eight.

Morriston were responding to Skewen’s 118-9 off 35 overs when David Thomas (4-14) and Jamie Lewis (6-15) ripped through the batting order.

What makes it even more disappointing for Morriston is that they had kept their opponents down to a very gettable score thanks to some good line and length bowling from Mark Whittaker (4-42).

At the other end of the table, leaders Carmarthen Wanderers were also left frustrated as after reaching 147-4 at home to Llanelli the match was abandoned.

However, Cowbridge couldn’t take full advantage and had to settle for a draw against Gorseinon, who are now third after Aberdare’s clash with Llandysul was rained off.

Christopher Morgan excelled with bat and ball for Gorseinon, taking 7-37 as Cowbridge were bowled out for 153 and then scoring an unbeaten 48 in the visitors’ 107-6 as rain also hit the Athletic Ground.

Briton Ferry Town now head division three as they romped to a nine-wicket win at home to Porthcawl.

The seasiders were bowled out for 67 with Afaq Shah and Yakoob Ali both taking four wickets, before Town got the runs needed with ease.

There was also an easy win for Pontyberem at Margam in the only other match in the division to reach a conclusion. Rhodri Evans (5-50) and Craig Evans (4-30) helped bowl out Margam for 142, giving Ponty the task of getting to their target for the loss of two wickets.

Scott Thomas tore through the Kidwelly batting line-up, recording figures of 7-20, as Dyffryn dished out more woe on their opponents in division four. Dyffryn won by nine wickets.

The bowling was equally as impressive from leaders Cimla, who dismissed Felinfoel for 80. Imran Pervez was undoubtedly the bowler of the day in the South Wales Cricket Association with remarkable figures of seven wickets for five runs.

Felinfoel were all out for 80 and Cimla lost two batsmen en route to victory. Chris Cousens and Julian Griffiths hit 97 and 95 not out respectively for Llantwit Major Cavaliers in their winning draw against Baglan.

Cavaliers amassed 243-4 in 50 overs to put themselves in pole position but Baglan scrambled to 143-6 at the close of play.

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Division one big guns set for Saturday showdown

South Wales Cricket Association Saturday preview

LEADERS Dafen Welfare could boost their chances of retaining the division one title at home to second-placed Neath tomorrow, provided the rain stays away of course.

The forecast isn’t looking too good for the top-of-the-table clash but, if the game does go ahead, Dafen will have the opportunity to extend their lead, one which currently sits at 39 points.

Neath captain Adrian Shaw will be looking for a positive response from his men after they were humbled by Ynystawe on home turf last weekend.

On the other hand, Dafen have won six of their seven games so far this term and had few problems seeing off Tata Steel, who visit Gowerton, last time out, winning by six wickets having bowled out their opponents for 55.

Swansea will be expected to beat bottom-but-one Llangennech at St Helen’s, however, they were tipped to beat Pontardawe last Saturday only for the team at the foot of the table to hang on for a losing draw.

Pontardawe go to Ynystawe and Maesteg Celtic host Clydach in the other division one encounters.

Third hosts second in division two as Aberdare taken Cowbridge while leaders Carmarthen Wanderers, fresh from a comfortable nine-wicket triumph over Bronwydd – a victory which featured a superb 132 not out from Daniel Jones – are away at Skewen.

The bottom two clubs clash with Briton Ferry Steel looking at their contest with Morriston as an ideal opportunity to record a first win of the season and close the gap on the Swansea club in the process.

Gorseinon in fourth have been going well of late and will be favourites for their match with Llandysul who lost to Llanelli, away at Bronwydd this week, last Saturday.

Hills Plymouth hold a slender advantage over Briton Ferry Town in the third division and the Merthyr outfit should have enough strength in depth to see off Maesteg at home as their closest challengers go to Pontyberem.

Buoyed by a first taste of success this season last time out, Pwll may find themselves off the bottom of the table if they beat Swansea Civil Service and Landore lose to Drefach. Margam entertain third-placed Porthcawl.

It’s bottom against top in division four with frontrunners Cimla host struggling Kidwelly Town, bowled out for just 62 by Llantwit Major Cavaliers last weekend. The Cavaliers have a mid-table clash against Llandeilo.

Dyffryn, in second, face Felinfoel at the Recreation Ground and Neath 3rds travel to Ystradgynlais.

Teams

Dafen; M Evans (capt), D Vaughan (wk), N Davies, D Nicholas, S Devonald, J Mansel, P George, A Rowlands, C Hudson, C Keen, A Herbert

Neath; A Shaw (capt/wk), K Thomas, G Davies, M Pearce, K Bull, J Parkhouse, M Davies, T Jones, H Davies, S Hornby, N Aubrey

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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.

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Dafen looking to show their mettle at Tata Steel

South Wales Cricket Association weekend preview

REIGNING champions and current leaders of division one Dafen Welfare take their unbeaten record to third-placed Tata Steel tomorrow.

Dafen have won five of their six league games so far this year while the other one was cancelled because of the weather, meaning they look good for back-to-back top-tier titles.

They are 15 points clear of Neath, who host mid-table Ynystawe tomorrow, while Swansea in fourth, six points behind Tata, shouldn’t have too many problems when they go to bottom club Pontardawe.

Four of Dafen’s five victories have come with them batting first and more often than not setting an imposing target their opponents struggle to reach – last Saturday they posted 240-7 against Ynystawe before bowling them out for 159.

The likes of Andrew Rowlands and Matthew Evans have shown some fine early season form with the ball while Nicky Davies and Steve Devonald have impressed with the bat as Dafen sit proudly at the top of the table.

Neath are going well too under the leadership of former Glamorgan wicketkeeper and coach Adrian Shaw whose magnificent innings of 111 earned his team victory at Swansea last time out. Opener Keiran Thomas has also been in the runs and his form will be key to Neath’s campaign.

As for Swansea, they seem to be suffering something of a hangover after their relegation from the Swalec Premier League last year and they now find themselves fully 40 points off the pace set by Dafen.

Clydach in sixth host Gowerton in seventh and the two teams above Pontardawe, Llangennech and Maesteg Celtic, both promoted from division two in 2011, meet in West Wales.

Speaking of the second division, Carmarthen Wanderers are making a good fist at an immediate return to the top flight following relegation.

A win at Llandysul last weekend cemented their position at the summit and they enjoy a 20-point cushion over Cowbridge. The Vale of Glamorgan club entertain Skewen tomorrow while the Wanderers face new boys Bronwydd at home.

Another team that dropped down a division last season, Aberdare, have also bounced back well and currently lie third. They will fancy their chances at Morriston tomorrow, the Swansea club are only kept off the foot of the table by Briton Ferry Steel who are trying to avoid successive relegations.

They travel to Gorseinon and in the remaining fixture Llanelli welcome Llandysul to Stradey Park.

It’s a lot closer at the top of division three where Hills Plymouth head Briton Ferry Town by five points with Swansea Civil Service trailing in third by the same margin.

The game of the day involves the Civil Service as they go to the seaside to take on fourth-placed Porthcawl, the leaders play Drefach, and Briton Ferry could seize first place if they beat Landore and Hills slip-up.

Lowly Pwll, who finished third last season, will have to find inspiration from somewhere if they want to break their duck at home to Pontyberem after a nightmare start. Margam, one position above Pwll, go to Maesteg also looking for a change in fortunes.

Leaders of division four, Cimla, head to Baglan tomorrow while second-placed Dyffryn play struggling Llandarcy. Elsewhere, Llantwit Major Cavaliers go to Kidwelly Town, Llandeilo lock horns with Ystradgynlais and Neath thirds host Felinfoel.

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