Friday, 15 June 2012

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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