LLECHRYD BATTERED

Pembroke County Cricket League

Division 2

Burton 63 for 0 beat Llechryd 61 all out

In a game they had to win to stand any realistic chance of promotion Llechryd suffered their heaviest defeat of the season at Oatfield Park when they were bowled out for a paltry 61 runs.

The visitors needed to close the gap further on second placed Narberth by winning at Burton especially as the Otters were playing the runaway leaders Llangwm but it all came apart at the seams as the bowling trio of James Davies, Luke Hayman and Morgan Scale caused havoc and put an end to any hopes Drewy Davies and his men had of promotion up to division one.

The fragility of the Llechryd batting line up was all too apparent the week before when they almost capitulated following a solid start against Narberth and with the wicket doing a bit and the toss proving to be crucial the Teifisiders were blasted away in very quick time with Ollie Roberts with 20 and James Betterley on 14 the only players to achieve double figures. The visitors though were missing top batsmen in the shape of John Curran and Steve Smith.

James Davies was the pick of the bowlers and he took three wickets for only 12 runs and Luke Hayman with 3 for 17 also impressed whilst Morgan Scale chipped in with a couple of wickets.

Home openers Martin James and Jack Davies added further salt to the Llechryd wounds by steering their team home without losing a wicket and in less than ten overs with Davies finishing just short of a fifty.

In the top of the table clash Narberth looked odds on winners at 88-1 when chasing a modest Llangwm total of 144 but a major batting collapse saw them skittled out for 123. Matthew Kiff was the man responsible and he ended up with impressive figures of 6 for 47.

There are four more games to play in division two and Llechryd now have to make up 25 points on Narberth who occupy the second promotion slot behind the champions elect. This looks a very tall order especially as the North Pembrokeshire side have to face Llangwm in a few weeks time.

Division 4

Llechryd 2nds v St. Ishmaels 2nds – Match abandoned

Llechryd 2nds were very unlucky to lose this game to the weather as they were in a commanding position with their opponents St. Ishmaels on the ropes at 70-5 after 25 overs. All five dismissals were from outstanding outfield catches with Ben Harris taking three brilliant opportunities at first slip.

However heavy rain intervened and although it eventually stopped, the slippery out field was deemed to be unplayable by both captains.

Llechryd are currently in second place in the table 31 points behind leaders Narberth 2nds

Hook 124 all out Crymych 75 all out.

It was also a bad day at the office for Crymych after they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Hook. The Preselimen put their opponents in and managed to bowl them out for a modest score of 124 with Harri Dunn,3-36, Andrew Thomas 3-16, Daf Wright 1-31 and James George 3-38 bowling accurately and keeping the run rate down. Brennan Lay was top scorer for Hook with 39 and he was closely followed by Nick Absalom who made 33.

Crymych got off to a poor start and never really recovered with all rounder George top scoring with 20 but he was on his own and the hosts could only muster 75 runs before they were all out. Nick Absalom also shone with the ball in hand and he picked up three wickets for just 12 runs.

Crymych have now slipped down to fourth place and are almost out of the promotion race.