Morgan on mark as Cofis aim high
CAERNARFON Cricket Club lie an impressive second in the North Wales League 2nd XI West Division after last weekend’s narrow win at Llandudno seconds.
Tudno won the toss and chose to bat at The Oval, but they looked in trouble as they slumped to 83-5.
However, the middle-order prospered as Ryan Bean (52) and Lewis Pike (49) helped the hosts set an eventual 193-9 off 40 overs.
Ian Morgan was the star bowler for the visitors with 3-41, thus matching his career-best total of wickets in a season by reaching 26 with a number of matches still to go.
Shamu Raza also collected 2-31 for the Cofis, who faced a stiff task in having to make 194 for victory.
Having lost opener Grant Peisley for a duck to just the fourth ball, the travellers were soon 24-2 after Jason Parry also perished. However, that man Morgan was there again to steady the ship, closing in on 500 league runs for the season as he struck 71 off just 61 deliveries, including 14 fours and a six. Morgan has already set a highest personal runs total in a campaign in 2018.
When Morgan departed, Caernarfon were 111-5 and still had work to do, but Sameer Yusuf (36) and Prysor Aled (36 not out) helped the away side reach 194-7 in the final over to seal an 11-4 triumph.
Caernarfon continue their campaign at Dolgellau this Saturday, while Pwllheli seconds, from the same division, take on Llandudno at home.
In the 1st XI Premier Division, Pwllheli became the latest team to suffer at the hands of a resurgent Gresford last weekend.
Having already become the only team to beat runaway leaders Menai Bridge this season, as well as seeing off Llandudno recently, Pictures: STEVE LEWIS the Wrexham area side also proved too good for their Llyn Peninsula visitors on Saturday.
Gresford won the toss and decided on first knock, setting a useful 195-6 from their 50 overs.
Syed Kaleem Aslan was the most successful Pwll bowler with 2-51, while skipper Michael Hughes, Sean Reilly and Jason Underwood claimed a victim apiece.
Jack Bunkell then wreaked havoc with the ball, taking a remarkable 7-22 off 12 overs for the hosts as Pwllheli could only muster 132-9 in reply.
Swapnil Kate was best for the visitors with 36, while veteran Neil Williams added 25no down the order. Pwllheli were 54-8 at one stage.
Gresford claimed a deserved 13-2 points verdict.
This Saturday will see Pwllheli aim to return to winning ways when they visit Connah’s Quay.