LLANDYSUL KEEP FIGHTING

South Wales Cricket Association

Division One

Two cracking wins on the bounce have given Llandysul a realistic chance of avoiding the drop down to division two with just a couple of games remaining.

The Tir Dref men who looked down and out just a few weeks ago needed to beat relegation rivals Merthyr Tydfil at Hills Plymouth on the weekend to give themselves a chance and they did this in style by seven wickets with none better for them than skipper Andrew Edwards who hit a superb century.

After being put in by captain Edwards the visitors made good progress as openers George Murphy 21 and Liam Davies 44 shared an opening stand of 55 before the former was caught and bowled by Ian Marsh. Andrew Murphy at number four went after the bowling as he hit a quick fire 68 runs off just 42 balls, a knock that included seven fours and three sixes.

There were also useful contributions from Blaine Harries at number six who made a useful 25 as Merthyr were all out for 223 in 49.5 overs. Ieuan Paske, Rhydian Harries, Ian Marsh and Mike Turner all took two wickets apiece.

In reply Llandysul started well and skipper Edwards and opening partner Ieuan Paske put on 68 for the first wicket but Edwards was the star of the show and his wonderful innings of 109 included nine 4’s and a six as he cut and pulled majestically and with superb timing.

Wicket keeper Llewellyn Hughes at number four also got stuck into the Merthyr bowling attack and hit 58 which included six fours and two sixes as the Ceredigion team chased down the runs for the loss of just three wickets in 46.3 overs.

The 26 points collected saw the Teifisiders move out of the relegation zone eight points above second from bottom Merthyr with two games remaining and the next couple of weeks promise to be a nail biting period as one of the two teams will join Briton Ferry Steel in division two next season

Llandysul host leaders Llanelli this Saturday before ending the season at Cowbridge while Merthyr are away against fifth in the table Gorseinon and then host third-placed Bronwydd on the final day.

Division 6 west.

Llandysul 2nds who remain in second place just below Llanwrda were given their game on the weekend as opponents Ynystawe CC Thirds were forced to concede as they were unable to raise a team.